Any thoughts as to which school would give me the best education and opportunities? The cities are totally different. I am definitely more of a city person, but I could do well in San Diego as well.

From my internet searches, it sounds like a lot of people like UCLA---from an education and social perspective.

Any thoughts? Advice? Recommendations?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=960071&forum_id=3#11240613)

Just looking at the course offering at the two programs, IRPS is far better for what you're interested in. That said, the WB, UN and FS are very different jobs. It would probably help to narrow this down in making a general decision about IR schools, but that's not your dilemma. In the IR field, IRPS is well respected. While the UCLA brand carries marginally more weight, this is not the case in IR.

But you're right in terms of lifestyle. UCLA is such an ideal place to go to school, in my view. Great weather, westside LA, In-n-Out walking distance--can't go wrong.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=960071&forum_id=3#11241077)

I definitely appreciate your insight. Truthfully, I am more interestd in IR/PS and will probably end up there. I am also interested in SE Asian studies and the IR/PS program is focused on the Pacific Rim. It was my first choice program anyways. I am going to visit both schools next week during admitted student day. I at least want to know what I will turn down.

As for the UCLA program, I would take the international public policy concentration.

In terms of lifestyle, what would you say about SD? It is the kind of place where you have to drive everywhere? From what I hear, the vibe there is very different from what you get living in cities like DC (where I currently live). I feel like people here are so serious all the time. No one smiles or even looks at you on the metro, for example. I don't know ---that is just my view. I have a feeling that SD is more laid back.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=960071&forum_id=3#11241802)

As for the area around UCLA, yes Westwood's very pricey and not the most exciting place in the planet, but it's nice enough. Plus LA's a big sprawling city. You're not gonna be confined to the campus and the surrounding area. I mean the beach is like 20 minutes away when the 10 isn't packed with traffic. LA itself isn't the most interesting city in my view either, but it's incredibly diverse in its population and activities offered.

I'm not that familiar with SD, but I would imagine you have to drive everywhere (as is the case in LA); that is, from La Jolla to the city. But both LA and SD are MUCH more laid back than DC. I live in chocolate city too, and the difference is night and day. I'd say SD is even more chill than LA, and the Mexican food's supposed to be better too--I guess it makes sense geographically. Oh, and there's a branch (?) of an unbelievable Italian restaurant in SD called Aqua al 2. The original's in Florence and just incredible. What am I pushing for school selection based on food?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=960071&forum_id=3#11276487)