Elizabeth Lopez Lopez,1

Block:2

H Economics

Mr.Solis

12 November 2018

College Plan Analysis

I didn't realize how preparing for college stresses out high school seniors. As a high school senior,

I’ve discovered how little I knew about the college process including the Free Application for Federal

Student Aid. For my senior year, I am required to complete a college analysis where I choose and

compare my top two colleges. I am glad that I had the opportunity to do a college plan for my Economics

class to compare two of my best options for college. This process has helped me understand which

college is more beneficial to me. Comparing a private university and a California State University has

made me chose a Cal State over a private university. My first choice is California State University Los

Angeles because the cost is more affordable, their demographics and logistics compared to Northwestern

University.

Cal State LA and Northwestern University have very different tuition prices. As a California

resident, attending to Cal State LA will cost $6,635 for tuition, compared to Northwestern University

tuition which will cost $49,047. With $49,047 I am able to pay for rent, food, and other basic needs at

Cal State LA. Also, being a first generation member in my family to attend college isn’t easy, but I have

more opportunities because Cal State LA offers the Extended Opportunities Program. Since I qualify for

Financial Aid this program provides me with free tutoring, books, and other supplies. As a low-income

student I would benefit tremendously because I can use it to save for next year and to have some money

in the bank in case of an emergency. Furthermore, the EOP program offers summer programs, so I can

strengthen my skills in math and english.

 Lopez,2

Next, I believe my safety is first. I want to be in a safe community where I can continue my

education. Witnessing violence can make me feel insecure in the community. Analyzing both universities,

Cal State LA’s crime rate is 85%. This percentage is a crime identified as disciplinary actions and it is

reported that crimes are committed by people who violate the rules and have reckless behavior which

does not make me feel safe. Northwestern University is located in Illinois with a reported crime rate at the

university is 95.5%. This crime involves Liquor Law violation. In the statistics, it is informed that clubs

and organizations create parties at Northwestern University. This crime rate on Liquor Law violation has

me doubting on attending this university. I don’t feel safe because when people consume alcohol, they

tend to commit more crimes. A common crime committed inebriate is disrespect towards women.

Then, climate plays an important factor for me. I have been living in Los Angeles my whole life. I

am comfortable having a sunny climate everyday. Los Angeles percentage of sunshine is above 70%.

Staying in LA, benefits me to enjoy my day and have no impediment to arrive to class. I have been

notified that college stresses college students. Having a sunny weather will not be an obstacle for me to

walk and release my stress. However, in Illinois, the percentage of sunshine is 40%. Illinois has a cool

weather and it does tend to snow and rain most of the time. A dull sky does depress me. Moving to that

state will be a disadvantage instead of a benefit to my health and education. In addition, I do live in

California, so I don't have to pay for out of state tuition. Another reason I choose to go to Cal State LA is

that I will be closer to my family.

This college research has helped me realize my advantages and disadvantages of both colleges.

However, researching and writing data about both colleges made me realize the difference between a Cal

State and a private university. Seeing logistics and demographics in my college plan analysis, it explained

more of what makes the school stand out. Cal State LA stood out while doing explicit research. Therefore

my expectations made me choose Cal State LA over Northwestern University.