I’m really wanting to go to a UC but if they are way more academically harder to the point where I might as well just drop out then my best bet would be to go to a CSU. (UCD/CSUEB). I know it all depends on your professors, but I would like to hear more about experiences and such.
Not student but a parent that had one son at a UC and one at a CSU.
- Much depends upon your work ethic and major not just the professors. Schools have ratemyprofessors where you can get ratings and hopefully pick professors that meet your needs. STEM majors in general are more competitive at both schools.
- The majority UC students tend to have higher GPA/Test scores so in general there are more competitive students at the UC’s. However, some of the top Cal States such as SLO, SDSU etc… can be equally competitive.
- If UCD accepted you, then the school believes you would be able to handle the work load but you may be a small fish in a very large pond and if you feel this would not be conducive to you academically, then CSUEB would be a better option if you want to truly shine among your peers.
- My son found UCD more collaborative than “cutthroat” academically but it was a shock to no longer be top dog like in HS so something you would need to reconcile.
Both son’s picked the best fit for their situation (academics, social scene and finances). One did graduate from UCD and really loved his time there. Other opted not to attend a UC and instead chose a Cal state (SDSU) where he was also very happy.
I would also do a side by side comparison of your major curriculum for each school to see if the courses are similar.
Best of luck with your decision.
As Gumbymom states, it’s more about your major than about any particular professor.
The academics can be equal within both systems, but it’s highly major-dependent.
The UC’s - more research oriented - were created to graduate students who will likely need grad school to participate in their desired professions, i.e. doctors, lawyers, professors, while the CSU’s - more practically oriented - were created for more pragmatic profession which may not need graduate school such as Nursing, teaching, business/accounting, CS, media, arts and graphic professions.
Remember that there are exceptions to every rule.
Smart kids go through both systems, but it will really depend on what your future goals
as to which would work best for you.
I’m trying to get a Master’s in Forensic Science and the only grad school is UCD for that. But I’m nervous to go to a UC, a lot of people say its apparently hard while others say it’s somewhat the same as CC.
If you are looking at grad school, then being a UCD and making the proper contacts as an Undergrad will help you. UCD is quarter system, so you do have to hit the ground running and keep up with your studies on day one. As a Freshman, they recommend to take it easy the first quarter until you get acclimated. Will you have some AP credit that can be used to opt out of some classes? If you feel you may be overwhelmed, you can always take some GE courses at your local CC prior to matriculation and during the summers between quarters to help ease the course workload during the regular school year.
If you are pursing Forsenic Chemistry, I can tell you that the General Chemistry courses serve as “weeder” classes and you should prepare yourself to spend a lot of time studying but it is manageable if you have a good professor and TA for the discussion sessions. I am sure General Chemistry at CSUEB can be equally difficult.
Only you will know what you can handle but if you plan to apply to Graduate school, then you need to develop a good work ethic along with some good time management. UCD might be just the place to do that for you.
I’m a CC transfer. By the time I transfer I will only need to take Physical chemistry, instrumental analysis and some environmental toxicology classes. I’ll be done with me gen chem, ochem, and gen physics when I transfer.
I forgot to mention I’ll also have to take analytical chem at Davis
So going to UCD should be no issue since you would have gotten the competitive lower division classes completed. Upper division courses will have smaller class sizes and more academically focused students. UCD sounds like the best option based on your academic aspirations.
Cal States are more focused on hands-on learning and more students tend to work after getting bachelors or go to grad school. UC’s are more research based and many students go on to get doctorate degrees.