<p>So, I got wait-listed for CSULB which is where I would prefer to go....but still unsure if I really want to wait around or apply again next year, or just take up on the offer from UC Riverside.</p>
<p>It would really help to get some input about UCR as a whole, and if possible - about the Art studio program there. Help! </p>
<p>Note: I'll be coming in as a transfer student from SMC.</p>
<p>It’s the second to worst UC in the system, ahead of Merced. It’s ranked #94 by U.S. News. So it’s still top 100…</p>
<p>My friends, family, and other I’ve met along the way endlessly ridicule the university. I’ve never been there and don’t really have an opinion on it. It’s kind of seen as a ‘last shot’ if you really want to go to a UC. </p>
<p>I’d choose it over any CSU, including Cal Poly SLO. I’d choose UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCD, UCSB, UCI, and even UCSC over UCR. UCSC is a high 70 on the U.S. News rnaking.</p>
<p>I’m well aware of UCR’s ranking, and it’s reputation when compared to the other UC’s here… thanks for your input but you really didn’t answer either of the questions I asked.</p>
<p>Should I infer that you think it’s better to go to UCR since you would choose any UC over any CSU ?? (Despite all the UCR bashing?) </p>
<p>Just fyi, CSULB has a pretty big reputation as an art school which is my field of interest, while UCR’s art departments/programs have very little recognition. This is why I’m asking about the campus and the art program that you seem to know nothing about.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard most employers , ESPECIALLY if you go outside of California , just consider most UC’s to be on the same level( except for UCLA and UCB of course ) . Its a UC degree , and your future boss wont care all that much if its UCR or UCI- UNLESS your studying something insanely specific . </p>
<p>I don’t suggest you wait another year , all the state schools are going to making major cuts, next year I predict it will be harder to get in anywhere . This goes for your community college too, their will be less classes available ( and if you care about other students , you’ll be taking up a spot that a new student can use on his/her transfer path ). The problem with waiting and reapplying is you have no guarantee it will pay off, you can think " what if I take 6 more classes, get A’s in a all of them and then reapply with a higher GPA " that sounds awesome but you’ll be wasting alot of time since only 70 units transfer . </p>
<p>As a side note, the CSU’s are generally considered to be the working man’s California college system . It’s geared more towards people with families or jobs, so don’t expect as big of a college life. I mean, many students are just commuting and if your looking for a college community this probably isn’t it .</p>
<p>As for me , going to UCR, turned down CSU San Francisco , and UCSC .</p>
<p>Considering your major I’d say go to CSULB. UCR is a UC and all but it really is the worst one (besides Merced) in so many aspects. The only advantage to going here is that it has a great pre-med program, and you can say you went to a UC which feels good … Until someone asks you which one and you say Riverside and they say “Oh…okay.” Pick CSULB, and enjoy the people, the school, and the fresh-clean beach air.</p>
<p>Coming from a current UCR student who is transferring to UCLA</p>
<p>UCR would be the worst place for an art major to go, I’d imagine. It’s basically in hick country; no art or culture whatsoever. Sounds harsh…but it’s freakin Riverside, the armpit of California. I would wait for CSULB if i were you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reality checks… fingers crossed that CSULB comes through!</p>
<p>I’m glad I’m commuting to UCR. I don’t think I could stand to live there.</p>
<p>You should go to an art school.</p>
<p>I agree with the above ^^^ Art school is your best choice.</p>
<p>However, if your not 100% on being intent on art, UC Riverside has more opportunities to excel than CSULB does. Also, if your considering going to UCLA Art or UC Berkeley Art, a transfer from UCR is much easier than a transfer from CSULB. </p>
<p>But yes, despite more opportunities at UCR than CSULB, Riverside does suck. But it can only be for 2 years if you choose. Figure out where your dream college is, create a plan, and try your best to get there.</p>
<p>Update: CSULB came through after all! Just got notified that I’m officially accepted from the waiting list! 
I’m glad I asked about Riverside as I was really on the verge of accepting their offer but all the things I’ve heard really made me decide to wait it out until the last minute and it’s paid off.</p>
<p>I may want to go to UCLA or Berkeley in the future but I think I will save them for post grad rather than to transfer there for my final year - CSULB has a lot to offer and I think it will be good to get some variety.</p>
<p>Thank you all 
:D</p>