Hello, I have just gotten results for college, and I am struggling to figure out which school to go to (they are all Cal States and UCs) :
I am planning to be a history/social science major and later on go on to get my teaching credential to become an educator. I want to know which school is best for me major along with a couple elements of my personal opinion and situation if I were to attend it. Unfortunately, due to the corona virus, I have not done any legitimate tours of any of the schools, and I have only “visited” UCI in the past.
I also plan to perform in “professional” marching percussion ensembles (WGI, for those of you who know), and although that is not a big factor for my college choice, it is something I do consider.
SDSU: I am accepted as a social science single subject teaching major in to their honors college, and they are about 1-1.25 hours from where I live. Their campus seems nice, and my counselor has told me that Cal States are better for those who want to become teachers. They have a marching percussion ensemble group based at the school, but if I want to be in a different group, it makes it very difficult with the distance from home and having to live in a dorm.
UCD: I am accepted as a history major. Davis is SUPER far and I would be unable to be a part of the marching ensemble. I want to participate in for financial reasons. However, I have had a friend that attends UCD and told me that although its less of a “party school”, there are many clubs and activities to do around, and the small town environment is actually a little relaxing in her opinion. I am not fully sure of exactly where UCD is on the spectrum when it comes to the humanities compared to the other UCs, but I have been told that they are pretty good. Financially, it is likely to cost the most. (depending on the aid it could change but I have not gotten the information yet)
UCSD: I am accepted as a history major (Marshall College) here as well. The college is super nice, but I know that UCSD is more of a science school than a liberal arts school, and I have been told that UCSD’s humanities departments are not as great compared to the other UCs (correct me if I am wrong). UCSD is far like SDSU, and it makes it difficult to do the marching activity I want to participate in.
UCI: I have been rejected from UCI, and I am currently writing an appeal letter to them. They are the closest school and I know many great teachers that I have had that attended there. Financially, it could be the best choice because I can attend from home, but I have been rejected, and submitting an appeal does not grant admission (obviously). UCI is one of the stronger UCs for humanities and the liberal arts (again, correct me if I am wrong). I would be able to participate in the marching activity in the groups I am most interested in because they are more closer to my home than the above colleges.
If I do get accepted from UCI, which school(s) would be the best for me? I am curious to know what is the best choice is from different points of view.
Thank you so much for reading this long message.