And here we are, two years later. And in two years from now (at almost this exact time) I will be getting my BAR exam results (which will hopefully be a happy day). WHAT?! Life is crazy!
So why did I choose UCLA? I'm pretty sure this question was asked in every single interview I've had in the past two months. But there were a lot of decisions that went into my choice and I was trying to choose between five schools, but in the end...
I knew I wanted to stay on the west coast. People will give you mixed reviews about going to a school in the city that you want to practice. I think that this is generally good advice because it is easier to get a job in the city where your school is (merely because the career services office does most of their outreach in that city). However, I wasn't sure if I wanted to be in Seattle or LA. I got into a few schools on the east coast/midwest as well, but when it came down to it, I knew that my life would be revolving around the west coast (best coast, duh) and so I decided to stay on this side of the US. And I'm very happy with that decision. That being said, I don't think location should be the deciding factor, especially if you get into a highly ranked school because it doesn't matter as much. (I mean if I got into Yale, I would move in a heartbeat...obviously).
I visited and loved the faculty and students. When I sat in on a class, the guy sitting next to me just started chatting with me. I could tell that the people in that class were all friendly. I didn't get any ultra-competitive vibes. Instead, people were literally asking others for notes right in front of me. And the teacher that taught that class was hilarious.
I found out I was accepted because the Dean of Admissions personally called me. And I later found out that he calls every single student. No other school did that for me! I thought it was extremely personal and so awesome! That was a true testament to how much the administration cares about the students, and I have found that to be true since attending.
Beach 12 miles away and sun 300 days a year. Umm what can make you more relaxed than taking a break to lay by the ocean? Or even stepping outside from the library and having it be sunny? It does make a difference. (However, I have discovered that studying and the beach do not mix.)
Seattle, I love ya, but I needed to get away. I had lived in Seattle for my entire life before moving to LA (aside from a 3 month study abroad in Rome). When else was I going to be able to easily pack up and move away? I don't have a family, kids, etc. But that brings me to my next point...
My boyfriend also got into UCLA. My boyfriend and I have been dating for five years, so I'm not going to lie to myself and say that he was not a factor in my decision at all. We did all 4 years of college long distance. We did not want to do long distance anymore. And we both felt like we were at the point in our lives and our relationship where we could factor each other in to our decision. We both knew we wanted to go to grad school (he got his masters in engineering) and so we applied to schools in the same cities. We both got into schools in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Michigan. So that basically narrowed our decision down to Los Angeles and Seattle (sorry Michigan). While we both had to make the decisions for ourselves (and we made them at different times), we both did. One of the factors we thought about together was that this would be a chance for a new adventure for the two of us. It has 100% held true and brought us even closer together than before.
[money also had a factor in my decision - and I think that is one of the most important factors in anyone's decision - but I don't want to talk about it here. Feel free to e-mail me with more questions!]
That brings me to...
With the benefits of hindsight, am I happy with my decision? - ABSOLUTELY! I do not regret it at all. Today I walked through campus on my way home and took some pictures. How could you not fall in love with this place?
