Wow, thank you for the really extensive response! I’ll try to respond to some these poins. Other posters have definitely mentioned the differences in programs, but this kind of gave me perspective on the other aspects.
The UCLA Ling + CS degree, however, has fewer CS requirements. Pairing it with the DSE minor would be an excellent choice given your interests, but you can just take extra CS classes on the side if you don’t want the rigidity of adding an extra program to your plate.
That’s what I’ve been most concerned about, since although I can add CS classes, I’m not sure which ones I could feasibly add. Without being in the reg. CS program, I don’t know if I would be able to do the required pre-reqs to get me into those classes. That’s what I’ve kinda of been researching, to see what my options and compare the possible programs/minors/classes I’d get at UCLA versus a UW CS degree + a major or minor in Linguistics.
UCLA is extremely well regarded in the AI sphere, and so is UW. You really can’t go wrong wither way here, but UCLA has more offerings for you.
I’m actually surprised by this? Considering UW has a pretty robust computational linguistics program, I would’ve thought they’d offer more AI classes. However, I do wonder which classes would available to me within Ling + CS at UCLA, since I wouldn’t be taking all the regular pre-req’s a reg. CS major would.
You’re in-state for UW, so let’s be real, you’re from the puget sound region and probably a Seattle suburb. You know the Seattle freeze and the Seattle weather.
Should probably mention that, even though I am a WA resident, I haven’t actually spent much time living in the state (only 1 yr, like 2009-2010) or visiting. My family’s from the western side of the state, but I myself haven’t actually lived that long in WA since I’m a military kid, so I’ve kind of lived all over. Even though I’m in-state on paper, I haven’t ever really lived/experienced Seattle, beyond occasional visits and my parents anecdotes of going to college there (Seattle U) way back in he 90s (they loved it, and had a very diff. impression of the U-district and the city in general XD). But from my visits to LA, I definitely agree that it’s as cool as everyone says.
Quality of life is a VERY large factor in your undergrad experience. Do not underestimate this.
I agree! And that’s what’s been so hard about this decision, is because the quality of undergrad and opportunities in LA is something that is irreplaceable, and the clear winner in this area. The campus offers me a lot more to explore my other interests, such as music production/music culture, continuing competitive club swimming (UW doesn’t have much swimming facilities since they don’t have a team?), etc. (though regardless of the school I choose, I’m not going to be a participant in the party culture/bar scene, since that just isn’t me).
It’s just a cost issue at this point for you.
Yeah, pretty much. I’m lucky that I have the opportunity to consider the programs separate from the financial impact, but it’s definitely something I can’t ignore (esp. considering I have a younger sibling who will be going to college, wanting to go to USC or other SoCal UCs OOS)