help me decide which california college to go to?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi all!

I’m an 18yo girl from Texas and I was accepted into both Chapman University and Redlands University in California. Redlands offered me a scholarship of about $40k a year, and although I just got my notice of acceptance from Chapman last night, I don’t think they’ll be offering me any scholarships.

I have written 5 fictional novels and plan to study Creative Writing at whichever school I decide. I met with the chairwoman of the Creative Writing department at Redlands and was very impressed with the program, although they don’t encourage or offer any courses for online publishing, which is where my books are published. I don’t know much about the Chapman program because I didn’t even think I’d get in, but now my excitement has been rekindled!

I’ve visited both campuses on multiple occasions and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on either of them they’d be willing to share. I love both of them but am inclined towards Redlands not only because of the scholarship, but also because Chapman has 3 girls per dorm in a space half the size of a 2-girl dorm at Redlands (also, Redlands lets you choose how many roommates you want, I would go with one). However, Chapman is an excellent school in an excellent location, so any advice would be appreciated!

-J

2

I’d go with Redlands. There’s no HUGELY significant difference between both, although Chapman is indeed a bit better. But 40K better? NO way.
Do check into their faculty to see if one or two could be good mentors. Look at all their publications.

3

I’d go with University of Redlands also. The scholarship would make that school very affordable.

Have you considered location? I know you have visited but Redlands is in the Inland Empire and Chapman is in Orange County. The temperatures vary quite a bit. If you want access to the quintessential beach life Chapman is closer. If you don’t mind being more inland Redlands is a good choice and has a pretty campus. Redlands is smaller in terms of undergrad population than Chapman is

4

I went to grad school at Chapman and still live right by it. I can’t speak to the creative writing programs at either, but if you’re preferential to Chapman, you might consider presenting your merit offer from Redlands to Chapman to see if they’ll match or offer you a merit award. The location of Chapman is far superior in my personal opinion, but the Redlands campus is beautiful.