I went to UCSB my freshman year of college and moved back home to LA for several reasons. The first being that UCSB is a very expensive school- I was an undeclared major so I almost never got into the classes that I needed (so I was paying to take unnecessary courses). The second reason- the party scene was brutal. I became very depressed while living there and fell into drinking and drugs which was a terrible way to cope with everything. I decided to move back home to stabilize myself and figure out what it is I truly want to do. I have so many interests and it has become frustrating. I want to work in the field of psychology but I also love music.
Long story short, I have been finishing classes at Community College and was accepted into CSUN’s psychology program. However, it is not ranked nearly as high as UCSB. I am thinking about going back to UCSB, but they have closed their psychology BA, so I will have to receive a BS in biopsychology. I know that my GPA will be higher if I complete my bachelor’s at CSUN, but I know that UCSB will look better in terms of grad school (i am just worried I will not do as well GPA wise at UCSB). Does anyone have opinions on grad school? CSUN or UCSB? Also does GPA matter more, or does the school you receive your bachelor’s at, matter more?
Lastly I have been sober from drinking and drugs for a year and going back to UCSB does worry me a little.
Go to CSUN. You can get a good GPA and the degree you want without the huge temptation that UCSB would be.
There is an argument to be made that, since you have grown and matured as a person, you will be able to succeed at UCSB. In life, you will eventually be put into environments that are less than optimal and where it will come down to you to pave your own path to succeed - why not learn how to manage those circumstances now, when you are young and have relatively few responsibilities?
I am sure there are intelligent, curious, and motivated individuals at UCSB who share the same interests as yourself, and that you can find success there if you look for it.
Go to CSUN. Stay away from temptation, be successful in your classes and keep looking towards your future.