Occidental vs UC Irvine

I've been accepted to both Occidental and UC Irvine and I'm having a hard time choosing between them. Can anyone shed some light on the academic and campus life differences between these two schools? Thanks in advance!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both Occidental and UC Irvine are wonderful schools, but they do have some key differences that you'll want to consider.

Academics:

Occidental is a small liberal arts college known for its personalized approach to education, with a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. That means class sizes are generally smaller, so you'll have more opportunities for faculty interaction and mentorship. The college is especially known for its strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, Occidental allows you to create your own major if you have interdisciplinary interests.

UC Irvine is a large research university (part of the UC system) with a broad range of academic offerings, including strong STEM programs as well as solid options in the humanities and social sciences. The student-faculty ratio is larger at 18:1, but the school's larger size means you'll have access to a wealth of undergraduate research opportunities and resources such as laboratories, libraries, and research centers. You might find more on-campus recruiting for internships and jobs at UC Irvine.

Campus Life:

Occidental's campus is smaller and more intimate, as the student body size allows for a tight-knit community. The college offers a variety of clubs and organizations, but if Greek life is important to you, know that fraternities and sororities are not officially recognized on campus. Occidental is located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, so you'll have access to a bustling city atmosphere with plenty of cultural and entertainment options if you want to swim in a larger pool every now and again.

UC Irvine's campus is larger, and with a larger student population, so you'll find a more diverse array of clubs, organizations, and social events. There are fraternities and sororities on campus, along with many other options for getting involved socially. Irvine is located in Orange County, which offers a suburban feel and beautiful natural surroundings. While not as culturally vibrant as LA, you'll still have access to beaches, shopping centers, and theme parks like Disneyland.

Overall, a key factor in your decision should be whether you prefer the environment of a smaller liberal arts college or a larger research university. I also recommend visiting both campuses (virtually or in-person) to get a feel for the community, as well as reaching out to current students or alumni to hear about their experiences, as there may be things about both environments that appeal to you, and hearing firsthand what your life in each one would be like may be what ultimately sets one apart as just the right match. Good luck deciding!