<p>Hello. I'm a transfer student who has been accepted to UCLA, UCSC, and UCI. I had intended on going to UCLA for it has been my dream college since the 8th grade, but after viewing UCSC, I can't make up my mind. By the way, I am a history major. I have a feeling I'm going to just accept UCLA's offer but the beauty of UCSC and the environment has got me questioning my decision. I know it might sound strange, but I really enjoy nature and it seems as if UCSC is more peaceful than UCLA, but then again UCLA has been my dream college. I don't know if this is relevant or not, but I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, so considering moving to LA will be a huge change for me. Any advice? on the people? the area? No mean comments please. </p>
<p>Have you also visited UCLA?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t dismiss a “this campus just feels right” feeling, but I would weigh it against other considerations. There’s no question that UCLA is a much more selective school and will give you more opportunities. </p>
<p>Remember that this is only 2 (?) years of your life. I think if you were my son/daughter, I would tell you that you can live in the middle of a redwood forest after you graduate, but that for now, you should focus more on what you want to get out of your college education than on the fact that you enjoy nature. I would say the same thing if you were hesitating between UCLA and UC Irvine on the grounds that you think you’d enjoy the suburban atmosphere of UCI more than living in LA.</p>
<p>I would not necessarily give this advice if you weren’t a transfer, meaning that this is basically all about where you finish up rather than about having 4 years of college in one place. Also, I would not necessarily give this advice if UCLA hadn’t always been your dream school. I think you should think pretty hard before you give up a long-held dream because you got a peaceful feeling from a different campus.</p>
<p>Also re “I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone” – UCSC is still a really big school. Santa Cruz may be smaller than LA, but neither of these two campuses will be anything like a small town. That is something that you are definitely going to have to get used to. But again – only for 2 years.</p>
<p>You are absolutely right, I’m going to go UCLA and I appreciate your reply. Thank you!</p>
<p>Glad to help! :)</p>