Hi all! I’m trying to choose a school by May 1 and need some advice on which would be the best. My major is communications and my choices are UCSB, Chapman, Point Loma Nazarene, Westmont (Christian), and Cal Poly SLO.
Financially they are same range for me (24-28k) ucsb being the cheapest, and chapman the most expensive
I grew up in Christian school, and went to public school as well. I’m not into partying, and am relatively conservative. I liked Christian school more, but now I am trying to make the most rational decision between environment and academics now. I performed decently in high school (2060 SAT, 4.16 GPA)
PLNU and Westmont: Love the environment, but I know they’re not as great choices academically. I was wondering if employers hesitate in hiring students from Christian named colleges.
UCSB: seems like the best choice academically, but I’m not into the big school type of thing, and I want to graduate in four years.
Chapman: Appealing in size and environment, but afraid the school lacks a reputation/name as it is relatively new in name.
SLO: seems good academically and environment is appealing, but it seems to be mainly focused on STEM and not liberal arts (since I’m a comm major). Also, low four year grad rate.
What’s the best for communications? I’ll help you out on your post too! Thanks 
Chapman has a good name in the LA area especially. I know some recent grads from there who liked it I would pick that one and being in LA could be helpful. After that SLO or UCSB based on your info. I have to say I have not heard of PLN or Westmont, I just think you are getting better value on the others which are all well known quality.
Chapman and UCSB are both best for communication - not in the same category as PLNU or Westmont at all. If you worry about partying, you can request a quiet dorm, or one that is “substance-free” or “healthy living”. There, any student who use alcohol or drugs loses their room, but students typically don’t. It ensures a better environment if you don’t want noise and parties (plus the dorms are in better shape.)
Thanks! I am worried about not fitting in and I have never been in a bigger school. Any idea about SLO?
SLO has students who are very, very good at math and science. They’re more “techie”. Is that you?
(In addition, it’s also a large school. In order to make a larger school feel smaller, you can join a Living learning Community, such as “Healthy Living”, you can join a FIG, you can apply for the Honors College…)
My other worry about the cal poly is not graduating in 4 years, or getting the classes I need, which is a big factor for me. Also, cal poly slo is a STEM focused school, while I am in the liberal arts area. I was thinking it would be easier to graduate in four years at UCSB, and even easier at one of the privates.
@Needtobreathe Wondering which school you picked?