I was recently rejected by… a lot of universities. 4.3 gpa, 30 on the ACT, many extracurriculars without spreading myself too thin, I did it all. Waitlisted by UCI and UC Davis, rejected by the rest of the UC’s and many out of state privates. I really don’t want to be at home anymore so I don’t want to go to community college but many people are advising me to go to community college and transfer to a big university. I’ve always wanted an actual college experience so I’m deciding between Chapman and UCR (also got into CSULB and CSUF but I don’t know if I wanna go there). I love Chapman for its night life and the location, and I also like their film school (I’m majoring in psych but I plan to minor or double major in film). However, it is too close to home, its expensive even with a the dean scholarship, the population seems a bit small and I don’t know what they are like academically and how hard it will be to transfer out if I decide to do so later on. UCR seems good academically but I’ve heard bad things about the location (I like the idea of a college town, UCR doesnt seem to have that according to what I’ve read online. Cant visit the school myself because of covid-19). Also, I’ve heard its socially dead and empty on the weekends. I’m pretty introverted but I wanted to be more social in college, I don’t care for parties but I’d like a campus that’s at least a little involved. Also I’ve heard there’s not much to do there either, and its not like I can drive to LA from UCR because apparently freshmen can’t bring cars?? To sum it all up, Chapman seems more fun but UCR seems better for me academically, but Chapman also has a better film program and I have never heard of UCR’s film program ever. Psychology is my main focus however (though I am undecided and might possibly change my major). Given all these factors, what seems to be the best option given my circumstances?
Assuming you can afford it without debt - I’d lean to Chapman for the smaller school and freshman experience.
Though most campuses are technically closed and students are taking classes remotely - they aren’t fenced off - and many students are still in off campus housing in the area. I haven’t heard how either is handling their admitted students day.
Since both seem to be a fairly short drive. I’d self tour both and talk to people in the area about their experience.