<p>Well, my senior year of high school is right around the corner, and with it, that simultaneously dreadful and exciting thing known as application time. My interest is in English Language and Literature, and I haven't a single doubt in my mind that I will pursue this as a major. My goal is to emerge from a four-year university having greatly strengthened my command of language (My goal is to become a professional writer) and knowledge of literature. I reside in California, and will very likely remain in-state due to expenses. Therein lies the problem: which of the two major public school systems (UC or CSU) will be best suited to my interests? This is one of the more important decisions I will ever make, and I want it to be as well-informed as possible.</p>
<p>I have looked at a handful of campuses from both systems. From the CSU's, the one that stands out most in my mind is Humboldt State, mostly because of their small class sizes (this has helped me to flourish in the past), relatively high admission rate (about 80%, last I checked), and stellar location. My dad, however, believes that CSU's are of less repute than UC's, and has warned me that a degree from the former may not carry as much weight/be of as much help in getting me a job than the latter. As a result, I have also picked out a few UC campuses- Irvine, Merced, Riverside. Now, my grades are fair, but not pristine (about a 3.0 GPA, B-C avg.), and I understand that they need to be outstanding to have even a marginal chance of getting into a UC school (except maybe Merced, but I've heard that it's a pretty mediocre school).</p>
<p>I've looked into the attributes of both systems, and frankly, I just have no idea what to think. As stated above, my passions are literature, writing, and the arts in general. These things are most important to me. If anyone would kindly give me their advice, given the info above (and I'm sorry if it's a bit much), I would be beyond grateful. Thank you!</p>