First - a BIG caveat - my son is waitlisted and appealing at UCSC, so he might not get in. But we are checking out Chico next week, and wondering if anyone has thoughts on comparing the two - he really likes UCSC. He also go into Arizona and Oregon which cost almost double. We’re checking them out to, but Oregon in particular may be cost prohibitive.
it is best to treat your waitlist as a rejection and really focus on securing housing/classes at a feasible school. It sounds like that’s down to Chico right now. In the unlikely event UCSC works out, AZ or OR hand you a huge scholarship or, you win the lottery, you can evaluate those options as they come into view. If it were my son, i wouldn’t cloud the issue with trips to schools it sounds like you don’t want to pay for. You’d just be adding noise to his already confused brain.
Chico is a great place to go to college. My son is a recent grad and really loved it.
I agree 100% NCalRent… but the wife doesn’t. Hopefully AZ or OR won’t feel 25k better!
UO certainly did. They really know how to sell. Visiting UA this weekend. Chico was a beautiful campus, but the facilities left much to be desired.
My son is a recent Chico grad. Not sure what you mean by facilities at Chico. The grounds, classrooms, gym, etc have all been well maintained. Some of the dorms are old - but well maintained. In my sons experiences, the old school dorm (like Lassen) gives a much more engaging freshman experience that the suite style dorms. As you walk down the hall in Lassen, all the doors are open and you can see into the rooms, it is easy to say - ‘hey. i am heading to lunch, want to go’ In a suite style dorm, there are frequently 2 closed doors between a passer-by and someone sitting alone in the dorm. It is easier to establish relationships and the halls are more social. Both of my sons have seen this in action at 2 very different schools.
student housing off campus runs the gamut, from crappy and old to fresh granite and marble. Was there something specific that turned you off?
The Pysch Builidng was like an old, smelly high school. Old gym felt the same. That said, I liked the school. But he didn’t.
@sadmbdad: so, what happened?
He passed on Chico (didn’t love), Arizona (didn’t love), Boulder (not sure why he applied - hates the cold), and Oregon - loved but couldn’t afford. Decided on Santa Barbara City College, with the iintention to transfer to UCD, UCSD or USCS.
the Wildcat Wrec Center at Chico is less than 10 years old and is full new/modern equipment (and of course the obligatory climbing wall)
http://www.csuchico.edu/maps/buildings/wildcat-recreation%20.shtml