<p>As I go through the decision process with friends and family, they continually question why I would consider UCSB and not some of the "better" schools I've gotten into. They just think its a "party school" with nothing else to offer even after I inform them of its opportunities. It makes me upset and honestly somewhat embarrassed every time I have to plea my case. I just visited and can totally see myself there. I know at the end of the day it is my decision and I should go where I'll be happy but I don't want to go through life being judged by potential employers or even random people. This is pretty much what is holding me back in sending my SIR to UCSB. Anyone else in this position? Advice?</p>
<p>My daughter got into UCI and UCSB…she hated the UCI tour and next week we will head to UCSB tour… the kids who get into UCSB are not stupid… your GPA has to be pretty high and you have to score well on your SAT’s to get in…every college has parties including UCLA and UC Berkeley…I think Isla Vista is what gives UCSB a bad name…it is the off campus area near UCSB where a lot of students rent apartments…anytime you have such a large number of students in a small off campus area, you will have a lot of parties…every person should be wise enough to make informed decisions…my daughter is not the partying type yet she wants to to to UCSB…the area and campus are beautiful…go with your heart and surround yourself with good people…UCSB is ranked higher than UCI…it is what u make of it…</p>
<p>Um… Who cares? Are you going to spend the rest of your life caring what your family thinks about you and your life choices? Your life is made up of your choices and their consequences. You’re an adult, why do you need to explain yourself? If you want to go there, then go there.</p>
<p>Step one in growing up.</p>
<p>Don’t even worry, I am facing the same thing! I got into both LA and Berkeley and am choosing SB because I absolutely love the school and all it has to offer. I continually get the reaction where people think I’m making the biggest mistake of my life. Stick to your what you want! You don’t want to spend four years where you’re not happy.</p>
<p>And for my answer to their dropped jaws, I look at them and say, “Well I’m glad its my life, not yours!” and that usually makes them quiet. People are going to second guess your decision and not support you – I guess it makes it easier to weed out who your true friends are and who they aren’t. :)</p>
<p>Same here, Im from CT, and literally no one is on my side with my dreams of going out West. UCSB is my only shot, and everyone around me just wants me to stay in the North East because of how fast paced and successful the schools around here are. My parents entirely feel that going to California could ruin my life. They said they won’t pay for it, so I may just wait till I find out my scholarship, then pay the rest. I have a month to figure my life out…Either go into debt, but go to Cali…or go to Boston University and have it paid for in a place I am not thrilled about =(</p>
<p>My son is in his first year there. Turned down Berkeley, UCLA etc… He could not be happier and has zero regrets. </p>
<p>I have several friends that went to UCSB and among them are successful physicians, professors and multi-millionaire entrepreneurs. No one asks them ever about having attended a party school. </p>
<p>Go where you be happiest. I know a lot of unhappy kids at Berkeley and UCLA because they were not the right fit for them.</p>
<p>jazzdancegoof - very true! I’m glad other people are in my position. thanks :)</p>
<p>spatel11- I feel your pain!! I’m almost in the opposite position. I think it would be awesome to go to BU but there’s no funding 
Do they know SB is ranked higher than BU? Have you tried getting them to visit? I think they’d fall in love with the campus and the area! Best of luck!!!</p>
<p>choroidal - thanks, that is reassuring to hear :)</p>
<p>@spatel: I know you want to go to CA, but trust me, the UC system is just getting more expensive! If you’re parents are offering you a full ride to Boston TAKE IT! (says the girl who has $30,000 + of student loans)</p>
<p>They prefer BU, just because my older brother currently goes there, and theyve grown to be proud of him(and that includes BU), so they want me to stay here. Oh well, I’ll figure it out by May 1st, so till then =P I have an 18 grand scholarship to BU, still waiting for UCSB to post their letter. Confused, lets switch scholarships =)</p>
<p>confused: Thanks for posting your message. I really appreciate it. As a Mom, my son loved UCSB-it was magic when we visited. He has it narrowed down to UCD or UCSB. He’s getting similar comments. I graduated from UCD-great school. Still looks good on my resume and I am old. However, as a Recruiter in Silicon Valley, in my professional opinion, the employers worried about communication skills, personality, internships, GPA and if you were smart/teachable. Most all the UCSB students i ever interviewed were so happy. They loved ucsb. That’s what inspired me to visit there. Happy kid + high GPA+ internship experience=Happy Hiring Manager no matter where you do your undergrad. We will visit ucsb, again, soon and make a final decision.</p>
<p>spatel11- curlygio makes a very good point, I would advise you the same. Boston is still an awesome city. I’m sure you will still have an amazing college experience. You could always come down to CA after college 
</p>
<p>fremontmom- I hope you’re right! Good luck to your son :)</p>
<p>@confused, with all due respect, I think these people giving you a hard time are misinformed. My oldest daughter graduated from UCSB 2 years ago with a BS in Mathematical Sciences. She applied to 3 PhD programs in Statistics and was accepted with full funding at all 3. I can tell you, she had the best time at UCSB. Superb academics, close interaction with professors, active social life, great weather, natural beauty. Couldn’t have been a better experience, academically and socially. UCSB is extremely well respected and ranked very highly in every university ranking out there. Go where you want, you will do your best work where you are happiest. Good luck!</p>