<p>My son was admitted at UCSD, Cal Poly SLO and Pepperdine as a math major. Which school do you think is best? He is a normal kid, surfs and is very smart. We are having a tough time deciding, seems he likes the vibe of SLO and Pepperdine the most. Thanks for any comparisons.</p>
<p>I would say Cal Poly SLO… perfect for math! Congrats!</p>
<p>Just curious why this would be your choice over say Pepperdine a small private school? Thanks.</p>
<p>Alexdad:
I saw this thread and thought I’d respond. I was a scout leader for quite a few years and got to be good friends with a number of boys in the troop. Several had a similar decision as your son’s. Here were my impressions; UCSD is a beautiful campus but is extremely competitive. A real pressure cooker. Pepperdine is also a beautiful campus but was so restrictive in their policies and religion that the boys I knew that went there did not enjoy it. 2 transferred after freshman year. The ones that went to Cal Poly loved it. Great school, friendly people, small class size, beautiful college town and they could still surf, although you need a wetsuit.
Frankly, if he was my son, I’d be pushing for Cal Poly and thrilled that he was going.
Hope this helps and good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your great responses… He does favor SLO but would be giving up a big scholarship at Pepperdine so we are just trying to hear from others and this is super helpful in making us comfortable with his choice.</p>
<p>Interesting thread to me, as one of our daughters is considering Pepperdine and SLO, and another one is currently at UCSD. </p>
<p>I agree with the assessment that UCSD is “competitive.” My D is doing well there, but it’s a far cry from her homeschool background! I’m not thrilled at the Marxist slant to her studies, but it’s to be expected, I guess, in her field. The waves are great at Black’s. Your son will be challenged. There is pretty much zero school spirit (I went there 25 years ago; it was like that then, too). </p>
<p>My graduating senior (of three, we have TRIPLETS going to college this fall!) who is considering Pepperdine also got a great financial aid package. It would be cheaper for her to go there than SLO. She likes both places–what’s not to like?</p>
<p>One thing I loved about SLO was the lurid Madonna-Inn-style pink tile in the women’s bathroom in the math department (I think it was math–clearly original, from the 60s, I’m sure). The men’s bathroom had–you guessed it–blue. </p>
<p>I love the anti-PC nature of the color scheme. That would never happen at SDSU, where I teach. </p>
<p>I’ve never heard of anyone not liking SLO. There’s something for everyone there. But the funding for Pepperdine makes it very attractive. My D goes to a private Christian school right now, so the rules won’t be such a shock to her. It really does not bother me that there are restrictions about drinking and other conduct. It looks like the rich kid element is there–they have a laundry pick up service for DRY CLEANING. But again, I have to believe that there are plenty of nice kids there, too.</p>
<p>chauchat, great insight, we are hearing the same thing more and more… I guess with fit, he fits best into SLO, I also went to UCSD but I loved it, however this is his choice. He has accepted SLO and unless he gets in on appeal to UCLA then he is probably going to SLO. Thanks so much for all the input and this is very helpful, especially since you are at another State school.</p>
<p>i heard from some friends at the UCs that the budget cuts were affecting the availability of classes
i’m not sure about cal polytechnic but it’s a great school; congrats!</p>
<p>i personally would choose pepperdine though for the campus</p>
<p>Classes at SDSU are definitely affected by the budget cuts, but my daughter at UCSD hasn’t had a problem with her upper division courses. It could still happen, and maybe it is with general ed classes.
I think my d is going to go to Pepperdine. It’s cheaper for her anyway, especially if she gets out in four years. Either choice would be great, really. </p>
<p>Congratulations on your son’s decision. Big step!</p>
<p>Of course at the last minute he was admitted to UCSB on appeal… I now think he is going there… any thoughts?</p>