I am a current high school senior trying to decide whether I should attend UC Davis or the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington… here’s the current situation:
For the longest time, I had set my mind on the idea of going to a small liberal arts college that had a more concentrated and personal feel to it. I see myself as someone who can thrive in either a smaller or larger environment… but I also know that I could be a big fish in a small pond at a small liberal arts college. I’m torn between UC Davis and UPS mostly because both are schools I could see myself at but I’m not sure if I’m psyching myself out because UCD has a better reputation and standing. This is what I have on the table:
COST OF ATTENDANCE:
I am a California resident but do not qualify for financial aid. The total cost of attendance at Davis is $36,176 per year. I did not receive any merit scholarship of any sorts so my only option is to pay up the full COA. At UPS, the total cost of attendance is $64,740, but I received a merit scholarship of $25,000 and so my final cost comes out to $39,740. Between the two schools, UCD is cheaper by only $3,546. I also think that with a little bargaining I can request a bit more aid from UPS. BTW: my dad is committed to paying for my college but I will probably be helping through work-study.
LOCATION/WEATHER:
I am a one-hour car drive away from UCD. It is super easy to go back and forth from my home to Davis. The area itself is cute and I ended up liking the college town vibes more than I thought I would. There is also a lot of Halal food options which are a nice plus. Davis does tend to get warmer during the beginning and end of the school tear but I think I can manage. Although I do prefer the cold.
UPS is a two-hour flight and 30minute uber ride. Tacoma is nice and cold- which I appreciate. But I will have to factor in the cost of flights and such. I will say, I grew up in a very strict household and have never attended a sleepover with friends in my 17 years of being alive. I had strict parents that did not allow me to leave the house much unless for academics/sports. The appeal of Washington is that it’s finally a chance for me to get out and start living my life independently (kinda). I’ve lived a very secluded life and really want college to be the chance where I can get out. Davis is far… but almost too close. My dad is a taxi driver and drives through the area frequently. My parents are South Asian.
CAMPUS/CLASS SIZES:
I think everyone knows that UCD is HUGE. Everywhere I looked there was a bike, which I didn’t mind. However, the big college campus with huge class sizes (biggest lecture hall seats 400 people) wasn’t what I was going for. But I know that I could adapt if need be. UPS is a much smaller campus with much smaller class sizes- something I prioritize. Both campuses are beautiful in their own way, UPS is very old-school almost ivy feel to it and is absolutely gorgeous, UCD is very pretty and fun-looking. Although the dorms look kind of like veggie straws.
BTW: Both schools’ dorms were nice imo.
REPUTATION:
Yeah, so this is what I have really been struggling with. It’s obvious that UCD is far higher in standing than UPS. Most people I mention UPS to don’t even know where or what it is. UCD has all the hype going for it. But does reputation even matter? Some people say yes, others say no… I am conflicted about whether or not I should let reputation be a factor.
MAJOR/FUTURE:
My parents (mostly dad) have been strongly hinting that I should pursue Medicine and become a doctor. I’m still pretty undecided and don’t know if that’s what I want to pursue. I know that to pursue Medicine you HAVE to be in it 100% and right now I’m not even 50%… but I don’t know what I want to do in general. I know my strengths are in the Humanities/Liberal Arts/Social Sciences… but as for a career I want to pursue: I have no clue. I think with anything I pursue I will probably go to Graduate school.
OVERALL:
I really do like both schools and know that my experience at college is what I make of it. Although UPS checks off more of my boxes, I don’t know if I’m being stupid by not going to a UC. My end goal is to have a decently high paying job that will allow me to live independently and comfortably, but I don’t wanna crumble under the stress of college before I even get there. I’ve got two more weeks to make a decision, but I’d really like to have made mine sooner. Any and all help/advice is welcomed.
