Very strange situation advice please

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of a first-year Materials Science & Engineering student at UCLA considering a transfer to Stanford University. Participants explore various factors influencing this decision, including academic reputation, personal happiness, lifestyle, and financial implications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the decision depends on personal objectives and happiness at UCLA.
  • Others argue that Stanford may offer better academic opportunities and job prospects due to its location in Silicon Valley.
  • Concerns are raised about the costs associated with both universities and whether credits would transfer.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of considering social life and personal connections when deciding to transfer.
  • Another participant notes the aesthetic appeal of Stanford as a factor in the decision-making process.
  • Some participants highlight the difference in student demographics and experiences between the two institutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on whether transferring is advisable. Some favor Stanford for its opportunities, while others advocate for staying at UCLA based on personal satisfaction and social factors.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various subjective factors such as personal happiness, lifestyle differences, and aesthetic preferences, which may not be universally applicable. Financial considerations and academic performance metrics are also noted but remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering transferring universities, particularly in STEM fields, as well as those interested in the comparative aspects of university life and academic environments.

alex caps
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I am a first year Materials Science & Engineering major at UCLA, and was recently offered (sort of) admittance into Stanford if I wanted to transfer. What do you guys think? Would this be a bad move? I have some of my own ideas but I would like to hear from you, thanks.
 
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It all depends on your own objectives.
 
Are you happy at UCLA? If so, then I see no reason to pack up and possibly have to start over at a different university.
 
I would get the hell out of L.A and drive up to Palo Alto immediately!

Cuz,
1) Palo Alto is like dream city to live (especially compare to L.A)
2) Stanford is a better school (at least to my impression, I've visited both school)
3) It's at the heart of silicon valley. There are much more job/intern opportunity for engineers in general. Google, Apple, Cisco, SRI,...etc
And I personally know many of my friends from doing intern there.
 
While Stanford is [generally] a better school...
How much does UCLA cost? Stanford cost? Is cost an issue?
What are your grades like? Will credits transfer?
What does "sort of" mean?
 
Well, as far as costs go, I am out of state at UCLA and I think it is actually a little cheaper at Stanford. What are my grades like? - well that's the thing, I am the type of learner where I don't excel with my grades, but I excel in other places, i.e. have published papers, given talks at internation conferences, starting my own company... and I was recently up at Stanford and some people I am working with were telling me they might be able to get me in... So I am just toying with the idea, but these are people who are serious about this and I am trying to decide if it is worth it.
 
How can you not like UCLA with their undie run every semester??

On a more serious note from my perspective, there is much more to transferring than just academics. Consider your friends, family, and social life as well.
 
my son was incredibly happy at stanford. i think ucla is a terrific state school, but i suspect stanford is even a better school. and the percentage of good students is probably higher at stanford.

ucla is a bigger school, and LA is a bigger town. why don't you visit stanford and see if you like it there more than at UCLA.

i think it boils down to the difference between the lifestyles, in the short run anyway.
 
I think just based on aesthetics alone Stanford would be my school of choice (probably compared to most schools, too). I might be a bit biased because I am from the Bay Area, but Stanford is in one of the nicest and most scenic areas in the Bay Area.
 

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