UCI or UCLA?

Question

I am planning to major in either psychology or nursing. I got accepted into both UCI & UCLA. I love UCLA because it's not too far and not too close to home and it's a beautiful campus. UCI is wayyy too close to home and it doesn't appeal to me. Plus it won't give me a chance to grow as much because it feels like home. However the problem is that UCI is basically paying my whole tuition for me and I would need to take out a $9000 loan/year for LA. Which school would be the wiser/better choice?

Answer 1

My opinion is rather biased as UCLA alum, but I must admit that that kind of scholarship to UCI would be very appealing, and UCI is also a very good school. Your grades must be top notch for them to have offered you such a scholarship, which leads me to ask, couldn't you apply for scholarships that could help you pay your way through UCLA? I wasn't offered any scholarships after high school, so I sought them out and won enough to pay most of tuition and books (which I always bought used online), and my part-time jobs always took care of rent, food, and transportation. I cut down on housing expenses by only dorming my first year, then I shared an apartment in Palms with a friend to cut rent expenses, I made the 10 minute commute by bus and bike, and I took as many summer community college classes as I was allowed. If I had been short on money I would have even considered taking a couple quarters off to work full time and raise some funds, but it never came to that. I also encouraged my family to invite everyone they knew to my birthday parties so that I could get some more money. Time management and work experience are two things that will be invaluable once you've finished your education and are ready to join the work force. You can even add the scholarships you’ve won to you resume. There are just too many scholarships out there; apply to everyone that you’re eligible for and you’ll find that it will get easier and easier to win scholarships. I had so many scholarship interviews that I came to enjoy them and look forward to them because it’s just good practice for when you’re ready to start your career. There's just no reason why you should come out of UCLA with a $36,000 debt. I came out of UCLA with a $700 surplus and then I made a few hundreds more with the graduation party my family threw for me.

At the same time, a full scholarship is definitely something to consider. Yes it is. And just because most or all of your expenses are paid for does not mean you can’t still have a part-time job near or on campus. You will come out a more well rounded person and I guarantee you will even manage to have some fun. Your scholarships will afford you the ability to pick and choose jobs that you will enjoy.

I’m more concerned with your differing attitudes towards UCI and UCLA. You seem to be at a similar crossroad as I was: I could have attended one of the Cal States which accepted me at less than half the cost of UCLA, but those prospects just did not excite me as much as the possibilities of UCLA. Give UCI and the scholarship as much of a chance as you can. Visit the campus, talk to an advisor, talk to students, get into UCI as much as you can, but if time is expiring and you just can’t get excited about it, it’s probably not the school for you. Money will take care of your expenses, but you can’t buy satisfaction and happiness. Just remember that this is a win-win situation and that no matter what choice you make, you cannot go wrong. Take the time that you have, think things through, feel things out and you will make the right decision.

Oh, and one more thing. Congratulations on being accepted to two excellent universities.

Answer 2

UCI is one of the schools I've attended. I'm under no mistaken impression that it's a clear rival to UCLA, no matter how much that would benefit me. It's just not true.

However, if UCI is giving you a full ride, that's something to consider. Psych is easy at UCI (well, it's pretty easy at most schools). You're going to need to go to grad school so saving money in undergrad is a wise decision. You should be able to get good grades at UCI in psych. If not, then you don't have much debt when you scramble for a job with just a psych degree.

Nurses are in such demand, that it doesn't matter much where you get your degree. They make pretty good income, so I'd actually go to UCLA for that. College is a once in a lifetime experience. Your prospects are good enough in nursing that I'd take the loans.

Answer 3

I'd say UCLA 'cause I'm a Bruin. Honestly, though, there's always a shortage in nurses so it really doesn't matter where you go. UCI, UCLA, Mt Saint Mary, etc, as long as you get into a school, that's the hardest part.

Answer 4

From what I know, UCLA has a better medical, nursing, biology-type department. If money is a problem for you, I guess UCI would be the wiser choice. But if you go to a school that will give you better education on your major, you'll most likely do better in the future after you graduate. But know that where ever you will go, you will love college.

Answer 5

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RE:
UCI or UCLA?
I am planning to major in either psychology or nursing. I got accepted into both UCI & UCLA. I love UCLA because it's not too far and not too close to home and it's a beautiful campus. UCI is wayyy too close to home and it doesn't appeal to me. Plus it won't give me a chance to grow...

Answer 6

Since UCI is paying for your tution that would be my choice, for undergraduate work either UC school will get you where you need to be.

If money wasn't a factor then UCLA would be the best choice

Answer 7

I always recommend students to attend the most reputable college they can afford. School reputation does come into play when you are looking for a job, so choose wisely. Altho you'll get a fine education at either campus, so you really should consider your personal preference and financial concerns. Visit the campuses and see which one you like enough to be there for at least 4 years.

Answer 8

UCI is way better.

not that i'm biased, being a former student or anything.

lol

and just so you aren't concerned-- UCI actually rivals both UCLA and UC San Diego in almost every department/major

so don't let anyone try and rag you down. a lot of people think of UC Irvine as the back up school--but it's actually just as hard to get in to and has an amazing faculty

Answer 9

Uci Tuition

Answer 10

Given that for most folks it is a BUDGETARY Issue -- (read -- getting full scholarship for tuition vs paying $9K out of pocket) --

As someone who paid HER OWN WAY through her UGrad and Grad Degrees ...

I would go with the school that is offering to give me the full scholarship for Tuition for sure!