<p>I have a felt the same vibe as you have. I have been scared to go to an ivy-league because I’m afraid of pretentious egotistical students, but honestly you can’t base ivy leagues on CC.
Most of the people on CC are a certain type of people. I know a wide variety of students at my school who are intelligent, high tests scores, GPA, and are truly good people. I am sure many of them will be attending both the UC’s and the ivy leagues in the coming year. The UCs are great college options, and I hope to also get into UCLA. You can’t beat California weather! The best of luck to you! </p>
<p>Btw, I just want to be honest with you with your UCSB goal. My teacher has been teaching the past 30+ years. Very familiar with the college application process, helps us with our essays, etc. She told me that this year it is going to be the hardest for all the UC’s. They are very impacted and unless you are ELC no UC will be a guarantee (granted excluding UCR UCMerced etc). I was counting on UCSB as a fall back also, but she said don’t count on it. Although she did say I had a good chance at Berkley with my background and everything.</p>
<p>Basically what I’m saying, cover your bases and maybe apply to a fall back like LMU.</p>