UCLA versus Cal State Fullerton

[hay]

Hi everyone, 

 

I'm having trouble deciding between UCLA'S Master of Urban Planning program & Cal State Fullerton's Masters of Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management. 

 

Upon visiting both Welcome Days, I felt more "at home" at CSUF and felt reassured that I would be able to virtually fulfill my Planning desires by taking a synthesis of Master's Geography courses in addition to my Policy work.

 

But, I can't help but feel the nagging torture of turning down UCLA (for a second time). It has long been my dream school, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about their MURP program. However, I just felt a little underwhelmed about the Department (especially the environmental concentration faculty I'd be conducting research with- I was spoiled at UCSB).

 

And ultimately, finances are huge in my decision process. UCLA offered me 41K in loans per year- so no department grands or dean's honors. CSUF will only cost $10K per year, & have qualified me for a ton of grants and scholarships. I already have approx. 80K in student debt (combined with my parents) for my undergrad at UCSB, & although I know UCLA has the more prestigious reputation, I want to be reassured that I'm not out of my mind for choosing my local Cal State program. 

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, as I'm slowly losing my mind trying to choose. 

[the_sheath]

Ha, yeah, I could tell at UCSB, at least from the department I visited, that they do spoil people there. In a good way. They really care about their students...

Anyway, I'm speaking from a third person perspective but... You're brain and your heart are saying the same thing. CAL STATE. I say go for it. I mean, the general advice is to go where the funding is, and that happens to be at CSUF. Then, if that isn't an issue, then go where you feel you want to be, which, again, sounds like CSUF.

Does your field really depend heavily on prestige? Do you actually want to go to UCLA, or do you just like the idea of being a bruin? Oh, and as a former bruin myself, I can say that this is an awesome school, but it's not perfect.

Prestige is but one of MANY factors that can/should factor into your decision. You've gotta go to the program that fits YOU that will get you where you want to go. If it's "just a Cal State", then so be it. And from what I gather from the op, all signs point to CSUF. For you to go there wouldn't be insane. On the contrary, it sounds like the sanest option.

Sorry if this post is rambling. I can't organize thoughts well via mobile.

[starofdawn]

When I first read the title, I thought, "Is she nuts?! Why would someone chose CSUF over UCLA?"

 

After reading all your thoughts and reasons for choosing Cal State Fullerton, it makes sense why you would make that choice (as the_sheath said, as long as prestige is not a huge deal in your field). It's better aligned with your academic interests, it's considerably cheaper, and they have extended a warm welcome to you. You're not crazy for choosing CSUF.

[hay]

Thank you both for taking the time to give me your imput. Validation goes a long way