Exploring Private Universities in California

I've been thinking about applying to private universities in California, but I don't have much info about them. What are some good private colleges in CA, and what should I consider during my research?

When exploring private universities in California, there are several prestigious institutions you might want to consider. Among them are Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and the Claremont Colleges; a collection of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges: Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps.

As for what to consider in your research, here are a few key factors:

1. Academic Programs: Look at the specific programs or majors that each college offers. If you have a clear idea of what you want to study, it's good to apply to schools that are strong in that area. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, Caltech and Stanford are globally renowned, while if you're interested in business, Stanford and USC have highly ranked business schools.

2. Location: The location of the university can heavily impact your experience. Do you prefer an urban setting like USC in Los Angeles or more of a suburban environment like Stanford in Palo Alto?

3. Campus Culture: Make sure to research the campus community, sports scene, student organizations, and overall vibe of each school.

4. Financial Aid: Private universities often have a high sticker price, but many offer generous financial aid packages. Don't forget to look into each school's financial aid policies.

5. Admissions Criteria: Check the average GPA and test scores of admitted students. Remember, though, these are averages, not strict cutoffs, and many universities take a holistic approach to admissions.

6. Size: Consider whether you prefer a larger university like USC, with a student population of approximately 20,000 undergraduates, or a smaller institution like Harvey Mudd, with fewer than 1,000 students.

Hopefully, these factors give you a good start as you research potential universities. It's also helpful to visit campuses if possible, to get a feel for the atmosphere and interact with current students. Good luck with your search!