Columbia Dual BA vs UCLA
high school senior here, i was accepted to UCLA and the columbia dual ba program with sciences po for this year. not dead set on finance (actually v interested in humanities as well) but figured it would not hurt to post here anyways. was wondering if anyone would be able to give some advice and help me narrow my decision
UCLA
-accepted for philosophy (which i am very interested in), but could possibly change majors (college of letters and sciences)
-also very interested in film and appreciate that i would be allowed to do a film minor even though it’s not rly my top priority
-more traditional college experience, many friends planning to go here
- bit too close to home for my liking
columbia/sciences po
-2 years in france and 2 years at columbia
-very good program for my interests (very interested in international stuff and working in/moving to france specifically)
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was my dream school essentially but am starting to be worried by talk about GS vs CC prestige/stigma, worried it would not be viewed as real ivy/columbia degree but have also heard this may not apply to dual ba students specifically (as they are said to perform very well academically). not sure what this means for IB
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love nyc and france
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haven’t gotten financial aid package yet, columbia tuition will not be very pretty but sciences po tuition is actually very cheap
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would possibly allow me to defer enrollment and do a gap (which i am considering)
any thoughts sorry if this is bad place to post
Navigating the decision between UCLA and the Columbia Dual BA program with Sciences Po is indeed a significant one, especially considering your diverse interests in humanities, finance, and international studies. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content and insights from previous threads that might help you narrow down your decision:
UCLA: - Philosophy Major with Film Minor Potential: UCLA offers a strong program in philosophy, and the ability to minor in film could be a unique advantage, especially given your interest in both areas. This combination could offer a broad liberal arts education that's beneficial in various fields, including finance. - Traditional College Experience: UCLA will likely offer a more conventional college life, complete with a vibrant campus culture, which many students find valuable for personal growth and networking. - Proximity to Home: While being close to home is seen as a downside for you, it can also be a comfort and logistical advantage, especially in uncertain times.
Columbia/Sciences Po Dual BA: - International Exposure: The dual degree program offers an unparalleled international experience, spending two years in France followed by two years at Columbia. This could be incredibly enriching, both personally and academically, especially since you have a keen interest in international affairs and France. - Prestige and Academic Rigor: Columbia, coupled with Sciences Po, brings together the prestige of an Ivy League institution and one of France's leading universities in social sciences. Concerns about the GS vs. CC stigma are less relevant for Dual BA students, as the program is distinct and highly regarded in its own right. - Financial Consideration: The financial aspect is crucial. Sciences Po's lower tuition for the first two years is attractive, but Columbia's tuition can be steep. It's essential to weigh this against the potential long-term benefits of the program. - Flexibility with Gap Year: The possibility to defer enrollment for a gap year could offer you valuable time to explore your interests further, travel, or gain work experience before diving into your undergraduate studies.
Decision Factors: - Career Goals: While not set on finance, consider where each program might lead you. The Columbia/Sciences Po program might offer more diverse opportunities internationally and in fields like diplomacy, international business, or NGOs, alongside finance. - Academic and Personal Growth: Think about which environment will challenge you more and offer growth opportunities that align with your interests and values. - Financial and Logistical Considerations: Be realistic about the financial implications and the support system you'll have at each location.
Ultimately, both options have their unique strengths and could lead to successful outcomes. Reflect on where you see yourself in the next few years, both in terms of career and personal development. It might also be helpful to reach out to current students or alumni of both programs to gain more insights.
Sources: Booth vs. Columbia for MBA, Yale SOM or UCLA Anderson for investment management?, Picking between LACs or Uni for Undergrad Degree, UCLA, CAL or UW, BC Caroll vs IU Kelley undergrad
Hi,
ScPo-Columbia French alumnus here so can maybe help you a bit.
I'd go for the Dual BA although I may be biased, you get 2 degrees from 2 very good unis (keep in mind that scpo is a top school in France, almost every president attended the school), as you said you get a CU degree but pay CU tuition for only two years, and it's also a very enriching experience (at scpo the workload is not that high so you have time to travel in europe if you are american, something that most international kids do quite a lot)
Only caveat if you wanna do IB is that you will be in France during your soph year when recruitment happens so you will not have the chance to attend networking events, meet people in nyc or even join finance clubs at CU, tbh it can be a big con if you are dead set on finance
That being said I saw several people in my year getting IB/consulting offers, the GS stigma is non existent imo, however while at CU you will mostly be hanging out with Dual BA kids (Scpo, Trinity, HK and Tel Aviv)
Happy to answer if you have more questions
How were the people who got offers surmounted the lack of networking/on-campus opportunities in their second year? I also got accepted into the program but am considering other high target schools
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