<p>My daughter was accepted to UC Berkely for Spring 2015. They tell you about the FPF (Fall Program for Freshman), but the program was already filled up BEFORE Cal Day (when most students visit the campus) and before when the FPF program did their online webinar explaining the program. Last year, they opened registration after these days, which makes much more sense, especially since you have to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) before you can apply to the FPF Program. Thus, you have to put down the deposit and be sure you are going to UC Berkeley before you have the chance to visit the school or learn about the program...How ridiculous is that??? Makes no sense that the program was filled before students were given the opportunity to learn about the program and/or visit the school. </p>
<p>That issue aside, she is facing the same decision...whether to choose UC Berkeley (regular program) or UC Santa Barbara's Honors Program or UC Santa Cruz's Honors Program. As a parent, I have encouraged her to go to whatever school feels like the BEST FIT for her. I told her that she should NOT base her decision on the school's reputation, but rather on where she thinks she would be the happiest. At UCSB and UCSC, she can be a big fish in a small pond, whereas at UC Berkeley, she would be a small fish in a big pond, so to speak. We have visited UCSB once, but want to go back now that she's been accepted. We are not able to go on the day that they welcome new admits, but we look forward to learning more about the Honor's Program. We are going to visit UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley next week. I told her to keep an open mind when we go to see all these schools. </p>
<p>I applaud you for going where your gut tells you to go. I hope you can feel good about your decision. I admire that you made a decision that was best for you in spite of what other influencial people in your life might have suggested. After all, YOU are the one who has to be happy and if you think you are better suited for the Honors Program at UCSB, then that is the right choice for you. Congratulations!!!!!</p>
<p>Please feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss this further. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about what made you make up your mind about UCSB. Thanks very much and good luck with everything.</p>