Major life decision crisis ahhhh!

[exsequar]

I am so hopelessly behind on LJ it's not even funny. What's going on kids? I bet you didn't even notice I was gone.

Visit at UCSF (University of California-San Francisco) went pretty well. It rained for the entire day we were supposed to be sight seeing so I pretty much didn't see the city. Quite a bummer because I honestly do not see what all the fuss is about. Seattle was infinitely more pretty to me. Then again, the program here is ridiculously top notch, like, on par with MIT and Stanford, at least in this area. There's a lot of exceedingly exciting research going on here, and I think I could definitely find a really amazing project to be a part of. The people are really nice too, though often pretty intense. I honestly did not feel the same sense of camaraderie here as I did at Washington - at UW I felt like a part of something almost immediately. Here, not so much, though I obviously didn't meet everyone. And apparently the money thing's pretty manageable, though most people have to live with like 4 roommates.

Basically there are a million factors in this decision. I could make mile-long Pro/Con lists (and probably will). I have no idea how I'm going to choose!!

(But first I have to get in.)

((I almost want to not get into one of them to make my decision for me.))

(((Ahhhhhhhhh so hard.)))

Comments

[why-me-why-not.livejournal.com]

Brendon Urie cut his hair.

You don't seem as excited about San Fran as you were about Seattle. You probably will have to make a pro/con list, and choose what things are most important to you. When it comes down to it, you probably want to be in a place where you are going to be HAPPY while you are doing your studies.

[hebrew-hernia.livejournal.com]

Annnnnd you still haven't visited UMich!

That being said, I am a huge proponent of the whole gut-feeling thing. I think the objectively-measured "goodness" of the program has to be weighed against what you think you'll get out of it-- and if you like Seattle and the people at UW better, you'll probably get more out of the program there than at UCSF even if it isn't considered "as good" by a lot of people, because you'll enjoy it more and be more motivated.

(Your description of the people at UCSF as "nice but intense" makes me think I would fit in very well there, ahahahaha.)

[foreverseenstar.livejournal.com]

I'm sad you didn't get to really go all over and enjoy San Francisco, but mayhaps it's a sign. No matter where you end up, I would recommend SF on a sunny day, especially Height Street. w00t Amoeba Records and hippies

[wordsalone.livejournal.com]

((I almost want to not get into one of them to make my decision for me.))

That's how I'd feel too. My grad school choice was basically decided when I started undergrad...I just stayed at the same school and went through an honors program.

I only applied to one college.

[musical-emjay.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, I'm sorry that the weather was so poo-y for you :(

That's interesting about the differences in community/camaraderie between the universities though. I guess it's something to take into account!

DON'T STRESS, BB ♥ *rubs your shoulders*

[exsequar.livejournal.com]

MOYA COME ON AIM I NEEEED YOU *GRABBYHANDS*

[darksylvia.livejournal.com]

Do not let Seattle's one weekend of dramatic weather sway you! Most of the time, they are both very gray and drizzly. Seattle has more pine trees, but SF has more green hills. SF has a better music scene. But Seattle is smaller and easier to navigate. SF's city is BEAUTIFUL, so I"m very sad you didn't get to see it.

IDK, to me there are more interesting areas of SF. They have a stronger gay culture. Ours on Capitol Hill is kind of dying. I haven't seen a drag queen walking around in forever, let alone a bunch of them. Whereas, you see interesting people in Mission St. every five feet.

The UW IS a super nice school. It's sprawling but friendly. I have no idea about the schools in SF.

[gestaltrose.livejournal.com]

Aw baby good luck with the colleges however you want it to work out. *hugs you hard*

[pau494.livejournal.com]

Boo, I'm sad you didn't get to see the city! I'm sure it's beautiful in its own way... maybe that's not the thing to say to help you make up your mind? IDK! Gut feelings are very telling, as well.

You still have one more to go! GOOD LUCK, BB. I wish this was easier for you. <33333333

[redandglenda.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy San Francisco as much! It is one of my favorite cities, but I know it doesn't please everyone. Seattle sounded great though - and I know you'll do well where ever you end up!! *hugs*

[thelemic.livejournal.com]

San Fran is one of those places that seems like it would be awesome but is a bit of a letdown, I find. Though it seems like you connected with UW more?