I want to study Economics or Engineering? Accepted into USC UCLA UCB and Stanford? Any thoughts on which school offers the best of these fields?
Did you get accepted into all of these?
It appears that USC makes it very easy for people to explore and change direction based on their experiences. I am sure Stanford may be the same and if you go into engineering or econ you can not go wrong.
I will leave out UCLA. highly impacted and you may even have a hard time getting classes. If money is an issue then UCLA is great value.
Stanford’s pretty flexible about if you want to change your direction as well (you have two years before they start sending you emails about not having declared yet). Once you declare you’re more than welcome to change majors as well if you change your mind.
Great job prospects for engineering and generally considered a pretty good school for economics as well. Also keep in mind that for engineering they do sill allow you to “build your own major” (although it’s not super common): http://engineering.stanford.edu/education/engineering-degrees/individually-designed-majors. So I’d imagine you could find a way to combine them if you wanted.
Congratulations on the acceptances! If money is not an issue, definitely go with Stanford. Top programs in both of these fields, specially engineering (usually ranked second or third), and is well known all around the world which can help when looking for jobs.
Stanford early action? They haven’t announced for spring yet, correct?
Yes I was accepted EA but I think that all decisions are out, My friend who was deferred in EA has recently gotten his denial letter so you may want to check. I’m leaning toward UCB or Stanford. My neighbor thinks Stanford is overrated. He was accepted at both went to UCB and believes its gives a more real college and life preparing challenge. He says that in may Stanford classes they give A’s because you should be expected to give A’s while UCB is not afraid to fail people in their class if they cant do the work? I don’t know if this is true, part true or he’s just plugging for his school since he rejected Stanford? idk? Does anyone feel Stanford is overrated? I don’t know any graduates to ask.
For UCB and UCLA, were you admitted to engineering? If not, changing in can be difficult. Check for GPA minimums for economics also.
Economics is more math intensive (multivariable calculus) at Stanford. UCB offers both more and less math versions. UCLA and USC are less math (single variable calculus).
Asking someone who went to Cal about Stanford (or vice versa) will probably be a little biased - they are rivals after all. I had a parent who went to Cal and disliked it so much they wouldn’t even let me apply. Someone probably has the reverse experience at Stanford.
Stanford definitely doesn’t give out As (and most students don’t expect to get As). There is some grade inflation but not to that extent. Most students do maintain a “good” GPA but it’s not like high school where everyone had a 3.8-4.0. And people do fail classes. It’s not an “easy A” school.
Personally I haven’t found it overrated. I went in not quite knowing the reputation and have really enjoyed my time here. The teaching is generally outstanding and the undergrad focus is great. I like the option of small class sizes, the field-leading profs, and the opportunities for research. I chose Stanford instead of other “elite” schools because it didn’t feel nearly as snobby/pretentious as some of its counterparts.
They both have different feels and the one that works best for you might not be the one that worked best for another poster. Are you going to the admit weekends at both? That could help give you an idea of which would fit you better. Finances could also be a concern. Your area of study (intended major) is also a factor to consider.
Stanford is NOT over rated for Engineering, and you will get some of the same "real college "experience with those
entry level classes as you would at UB since there are large class sizes . Engineering is the most popular major at Stanford.
I think Stanford will be a more pleasant, happy place to be, as so many kids at UB are under a lot of stress and show it.
I’d stay away from the UC colleges in general at this point , because of funding issues and salary aps, which are causing faculty turnover- Stanford and USC are picking off many professors and some UG classes are taught by TA’s with hard to understand accents.
All Engineering classes at Stanford are taught by full profs with PhD’s.
Stanford and USC are not any different from the UCs in the format of engineering classes. Larger classes are taught by a faculty member leading the lecture, with smaller associated discussion and lab sections led by TAs.
You can look at on-line class schedules to see how large the classes are.