Hello, first time poster here 
Well, to make a long story short, I HAVE submitted my SIR to UCSB. Unfortunately though, I am having 2nd thoughts about this. I got into every other UC school I applied to (UCD, UCSD, UCLA, UCB (Spring Semester), and UCI) and was uncertain on where I was going until May 1st. I ruled out UCLA (WAAAAAY to much traffic for me and I really don’t like the area), UCB (I just don’t like it! Plus, spring transfer…), and UCI (not my thing either). That left it to UCD, UCSB, and UCSD. I applied everywhere as an ECON major, except for Davis (Viticulture and Enology).
I guess the reason I chose SB was the really nice campus and the great atmosphere. Which of the 3 campuses do you think has the best econ program? I heard that SD is only good for engineering/bio majors, but I may be wrong. I am having 2nd thoughts about UCSB because it seems that it lacks accademically and is geared more toward just “chillin”. When I made my decision, I wanted a good balance of both academics and social life because I would probably end up transferring in 2 - 3 years.
So, is my decision a wise one (between the 3)?
<p>If ECON is what you want to major in I would go to either Berkeley or LA......I don't think I would turn down any of the other schools you mentioned for UCSB..but hey thats just my opinion.</p>
<p>yes...your decision is definitely a wise one. UCSB is definitely not just a "chillin" place. There is a ton of studying, learning, teaching and research going on. In fact, UCSB will soon be a better school than UCSD and the other higher UCs. It even has the most recent nobel laureates. </p>
<p>You shouldn't have any regrets because you made a very good decision.</p>
<p>Although Berkeley and UCLA are fine institutions; so is UCSB. I would definitely categorize UCSB as a school on the rise, and don't be afraid to embrace the Gaucho experience! It's a fantabulistic school, no doubt, and you will enjoy it greatly! Economics is one of those majors that aren't so specialized, and all schools have them; now, if you wanted to get into Business, Haas would have been a different story.</p>
<p>Thank you for all your meaningful responses! It really makes me feel better about where I am going! Yes, UCLA and CAL are great schools BUT I didn't think I would be able to take the incredibly competitive atmosphere present at thsoe schools. Do you really thing UCSB will surpass UCSD? From my understanding, UCSD is also on the rise (rivaling CAL and UCLA in many fields). Thank you again for your help!
BTW, the UCSD Econ Dept. is ranked #10 nationally (not that it means anything though ;)). Anyone know what SB is?</p>