<p>I really need some help here. I’m absolutely torn on which one to attend. I’ll be majoring in Bus Admin at SLO and Undeclared at Irvine.</p>
<p>I’ll break down the pros and cons for each. </p>
<p>Cal Poly SLO </p>
<p>Pros:
Small class sizes
“Learn By Doing”
Great weather/beaches
Good business program
Great campus</p>
<p>Cons:
Difficult to change majors
SLO is a relatively small town </p>
<p>Irvine</p>
<p>Pros:
Easier to change majors
Near a city
Good business program (but not as good)
Seems like a great campus (visiting soon)
Good weather/near beach</p>
<p>Cons:
Business program difficult to transfer into, has limited spots
Huge class sizes
Commuter campus, from what I’ve heard doesn’t have the “college town” atmosphere</p>
<p>My main dilemma is the fact that I don’t know what I want to do with my life. If I’m at SLO and decide I don’t want business, it’s difficult to transfer out. If I’m at Irvine and want to do business, it’s difficult to transfer in. </p>
<p>Can anyone shed some light on any of these? I may be ignorant on some of the pros/cons so please feel free to correct me. Thank you!</p>
<p>I am a current freshman at Cal Poly. Unless you have trouble merely passing your classes, changing majors is nowhere near as difficult as people make it out to be. Don’t know how that notion came around. I believe for a business major, what you do with your time and education is more important than where you study. Choose the school you feel more comfortable in.</p>
<p>I have to say I am surprised that you are torn between the two (I believe SLO is a better choice), but since you haven’t visited UCI, then I can understand your indecision. I will address your cons where you need clarification.</p>
<p>UCI is indeed more of a commuter campus and is, in my opinion, a more sterile environment. When I say sterile I mean that it is in Irvine, master-planned community in the center of Orange County and, well, it’s not the most liberal, free-thinking atmosphere. I mean this is the nicest way possible. (I grew up in OC and worked in and around Irvine for years. In fact I live about 10 minutes down the road from the campus.) UCI is not as lively and friendly as Cal Poly. It is pretty, in a manicured sort of way, and it is near some open space, but the environment, involvement and camraderie is lacking when compared to SLO. When you say UCI is near a city, you need to know that Irvine (and OC for that matter) is not known for it’s urban environment. It’s more of a sprawling suburb, and can have traffic congestion. And know that rents are expensive around Irvine, which is a consideration when you move out of the dorms.</p>
<p>At SLO it is possible sometimes to change your major as long as it’s in the same college, but it may add an extra semester or two. It depends. The interships opportunities at SLO can really help, too. Should you stay in business, it is a versatile degree that you can use for many pursuits. </p>
<p>You said that you are not sure what you want to do with your life. I have a feeling that an environment like SLO will provide you with the chance to meet more people, experience new things and discover what you do want to do in life. And, IMO, that’s what’s college should be about.</p>
<p>
Did you apply to UCI as a Business Major, but got in as an Undeclared? If so, does that give you any hint as to whether you would eventually be accepted into the Business major?</p>
<p>
I think that is a true statement. And UCSD is the most sterile of all… the buildings look like bomb shelters, and I actually believe that affects a student’s mood.</p>
<p>@DunninLA No, not in the slightest. I didn’t get in because of relatively low GPA, which is attirbutable to me not realizing the importance of it until it was too late
.I get a fresh start in college, unhindered by standardized tests and other things that dragged me down.</p>
<p>Thanks all for your inputs.</p>