Hello everyone, I got accepted into both WashU and UCLA and I'm really unsure about which one I should attend. My major will be Biology and I'm also interested in getting involved in campus organizations and research opportunities. Can anyone give me some perspective on these schools?
Congratulations on being accepted to both WashU and UCLA! That's a great achievement! These are both fantastic schools, but they have different characteristics that might make one a better fit for you than the other.
WashU (Washington University in St. Louis):
- Located in St. Louis, Missouri
- A mid-sized school
- Strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities
- Collaborative academic environment
- Known for pre-med education and overall strong biology program (WashU's med school is one of the top-ranked ones in the country, if you're considering pre-med)
- Smaller class sizes, on average, which can lead to closer relationships with professors
- More personal attention from faculty due to the lower student-to-faculty ratio
- Connected campus community with many student-run organizations available.
UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles):
- Located in Los Angeles, California
- A larger school, part of the prestigious University of California system
- Many research opportunities, given its status as a major research university
- More competitive academic atmosphere due to its large size
- Strong biology program, with more course specialization options
- Classes may be larger, especially in your first year or two
- Numerous campus organizations to join and engage with
- Los Angeles setting means better weather
Ultimately, the decision depends on what you value most in your college experience. If you want a smaller, more tight-knit community with excellent pre-med and biology programs, WashU might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more populated urban environment, with a larger and highly diverse student body, UCLA may be the better choice.
Consider visiting both campuses (if possible) to get a feel for the atmosphere and talk to current students to gain more insight. Additionally, research their specific biology programs and courses, available resources, and campus organizations to help make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to even reach out to each biology department directly, if you think speaking with the professors themselves would be helpful to you. Good luck!
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