Long Beach State vs UCLA: Which is better overall?

Hi everyone! I'm pumped to have been accepted to both Long Beach State and UCLA, but now I'm stuck trying to decide which one to choose. I'm majoring in psychology, and I'm curious if anyone has opinions or experiences with these two schools. How do they compare academically, and what are the campus vibes like? Any input would be awesome!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both Long Beach State and UCLA are great schools, but they differ in several ways, which I will outline below.

Academics: UCLA is widely recognized as one of the top universities in the nation and has a highly regarded psychology program. It has more research funding and opportunities, which can be beneficial if you're interested in pursuing research or going on to graduate school. On the other hand, Long Beach State is strong in hands-on learning with smaller class sizes, which can mean more personalized attention and sometimes more direct guidance from professors, which could be advantageous if you're still figuring out which particular topics within psychology most interest you.

Campus vibes: UCLA's campus is located in the Westwood neighborhood, and it has a more traditional college feel with its beautiful architecture and external offerings like shopping and dining. The school has a strong sports culture, and you might find a more competitive atmosphere due to the size and urban location of the school. Long Beach State, on the other hand, has a more laid-back vibe, given its location close to the beach. It tends to attract students who value a balance of academic, social, and outdoor activities.

Size: UCLA is a larger university with a greater number of students, faculty, and course offerings. This means the breadth of resources and experiences is greater. However, this also means you might have larger classes and less personal attention, especially in introductory courses. Long Beach State is smaller, and with that comes a more close-knit community feeling.

Cost: If affordability is a concern, Long Beach State may have an advantage, as it's generally less expensive than UCLA. Make sure to consider financial aid offers and estimated total costs when making your decision, though, as what you'll have to pay may differ from the sticker price.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your preferences and priorities. It might be helpful to visit the campuses and talk to current students, especially those studying psychology, at each school to get a better feel for their experiences. Good luck with your decision!