Help with what colleges to choose

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm working on appeals, waitlists, gap-year plans, and many other things. But first I need to decide which college to go to(I might cancel if I can get a good enough gap-year plan). I really don't know what to do. I'm a physics major and I'm looking for a school with a good science but also has an atmosphere of mature intelligent hard-working students. I don't want a party school or a school whose students attend mostly because of its closeness to the beach. I really don't care about location or an active social scene(I'm flexible).
Here are my options:
UCSB- College of Creative Studies, I've heard great things about their CCS physics department but UCSB's atmosphere seems wrong. It provides opportunities for research in sophomore year so that might help for transfer.
UC Davis- I've heard good things and the academics and atmosphere but I still need to apply for honors
UC Irvine- I've heard good things but I I've also heard its a commuter school
UC Merced Shared Experience with Berkeley or UCLA- I have to attend UC Merced for a year(or more but I can do it in a year), get junior status(60 credits including community college classes and AP classes), maintain a 3.5, and meet a couple other requirements</p>

<p>What do you think I should do?</p>

2

<p>Please, I really need advise</p>

3

<p>Anyone have any advise?
P.S. I probably should have put
help with choosing a college</p>

4

<p>I really need some advise. I don't know what to do.</p>

5

<p>I'm tearing my hair out.</p>

6

<p>First-don't tear your hair out-breathe---now---have you or will you have an option to visit any of these schools before your decision date? Lets assume for the sake of argument you will not be able to visit---It sounds like you have been accepted to UCD, UCI, UCSB, and Merced-with the caveat that after 6o units you will be accepted to UCB or UCLA provided you maintain 3.5. Am I on track?---The first 3 will give you a great 4 years-good solid physics/science depts.---The Merced option will give you 2 years at UCB or UCLA with a degree from the one you select.---If you plan to do graduate work-or-go directly into the work force, then which school's diploma will give you the credibility you feel most reflects you and your abilities? There is no wrong answer-but rather-which is the right answer for you. Congratulations in getting accepted to such great schools!</p>