In state or Canada?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hello everyone. My first post here and I'm not exactly sure how to start. I apologize in advance for this essay of a post, but I would like you to know that I take college decisions VERY seriously and I will appreciate every little bit of advice and information (assuming it is correct) you give me.</p>

<p>I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, but I have a Canadian citizenship (along with a ton of family in Canada). I'm a high school senior and I've basically narrowed down my college choices to UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, and University of British Columbia (yeah I know, pretty different). I've received enough financial aid so that these schools are all basically the same price (and of course I've already been accepted to them). Also, for a little more background: I'm a potential Biology major with an emphasis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am an exploring mind and I absolutely love to learn. I would prefer a university with smaller class sizes, but I will take what I can get if need be.</p>

<p>My dilemma is this: I know UBC is a much better school than UCSB and UCSC, but I'm worried about homesickness and not absolutely loving the non academic qualities of UBC. Not to mention Canada is a whole nother country from the US, much less a different region from Los Angeles. I have become very attached to my city, yet I want to leave it and experience something entirely different. I am so conflicted that I may just need someone who has been in my shoes to simply talk me down from my high ledge. To make my decision even harder, I have a girlfriend who is a junior in high school. And of course I would LOVE to stay as close to her as possible, but I know what people say about high school relationships. So with that all in mind, I would love to hear what the CC community has to suggest. I'm all ears!</p>

<p>Note: If anyone would like more information then just ask, of course.</p>

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<p>As a dual citizen of Canada, US and an in-state resident of California, you obviously have great options in universities. UBC would provide you a better academic experience in the areas of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Being a freshman at any new university social adjustment to new surroundings may take some effort. Scores of students find themselves in a similar situation, and most do well. Socially with Vancouver being multi-ethnic, you may find more similarities with LA.
Also keep in mind that UBC has exchange program with UC which will allow you to pursue up to 1 year of study at UC.
<a href=“http://students.ubc.ca/career/international-experiences/exchange-research-study-abroad”>http://students.ubc.ca/career/international-experiences/exchange-research-study-abroad&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>If at the end of your first year you still long to come back to UC, you can seek transfer. Don’t know the level of difficulty in transferring to UC campuses from UBC; you may want to explore it further. Overall, UBC may be a worthwhile pursuit. </p>

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<p>Awesome. That is great to know!</p>