<p>Hello everyone, after reading multiple threads throughout my college selection process, I felt the need to actually post one. My topic concerns UCSB and UCI. Before I start, I would GREATLY appreciate if you could read the entire post and give your honest feedback. I have always been in want of an "adviser" so your help is greatly desired. I only have my family so it would be great if you could give me your opinions. I have had a terrible college selection process and it is cutting into my summer.</p>
<p>Some background on myself:</p>
<p>I have a VERY hard time in deciding on ANYTHING. As such, the college process was very difficult. I applied to many UC's as well as many out-of-state and private colleges. I really did not know how to research and I did not have time in the first place. Senior year (12th grade) was kind of annoying because I honestly did not have any extra time to devote to necessary research. I did some, but not enough. Well, I never felt a particular attachment to any one school, so I'm kind of just going with whatever. To the point: As of now (and it is a long story) I am left with either attending UCSB or UCI as a freshman.</p>
<p>Here is my dilemma:</p>
<p>My first and foremost priority in school is academics. I had a very challenging high school experience and I always think in the long-term. I will work my hardest in college and it is my number one choice. I really want to be in an environment that holds academics as their first priority in college as well, be it living in an "honors" type of residence hall/floor or something similar. Just an environment with like-minded students in a way. I will most likely have a career in the engineering field and I think that is what I like the most, so I have been admitted to engineering majors at both schools. I do not currently know which engineering major I would like to pursue at the moment, but most likely not related to computer/electical related. Here is my current situation with both schools, both factually and subjectively:</p>
<p>UC Santa Barbara:</p>
<p>I am admitted as a Chemical Engineer and in the College of Engineering Honors program.</p>
<p>I may or may not be able to run for the school's cross country team (depends on tryouts)</p>
<p>As of now, my only for sure housing option is Tropicana Del Norte.</p>
<p>I can join the Freshman Summer Start Program.</p>
<p>Orientation is still available, as far as I know.</p>
<p>For Santa Barbara, as of now I don't jump up and down by being next to the beach. Yeah sure it's there, not that big of a deal for me. I'm not really a "surfer" type or "beach lover". Sure it's nice, but it's not a determining factor. Initially and still now, I am concerned about the "party" atmosphere both in the parties and in the type of students. I really wanted to live in the honors floor but now I can only live in the off-campus apartment (Tropicana Del Norte). I think it is closer than the residence halls but it is not owned by the university. I have been told that some Freshman Summer Start students go there and that there are also some athletes. The manager told me that a lot of the students are freshman. However, I have read many negative reviews of the location. I don't want to miss out on the "freshman experience" and also I won't be able to eat on-campus. I will be visiting the apartment soon. I just have my concerns about being around "not so focused" students and also those that may be from SBCC.</p>
<p>UC Irvine:</p>
<p>I am admitted as an undeclared/undecided Engineering major. I have been told that I should not have much trouble at all in declaring any of the engineering majors.</p>
<p>It has more engineering majors than UCSB. The chemical engineering major at SB has a lot of bio. focus while UCI has more materials in place of bio.</p>
<p>I am not in the Campuswise Honors Program right now, but I can apply after 1 quarter.</p>
<p>I still have housing and orientation. UCI has a "intellectual competence" theme hall.</p>
<p>Out of the two, as of now I would say that I am more comfortable at UCI. However, I don't know how I would feel while in college and what would be in my best interest. UCSB does have more of a "college feel". I am a disciplined, health-nut, no drugs or alcohol ever kind of person. Only saying this personally, but I am a Christian and I will never do anything relating to drugs or alcohol. I am not sure if this is less prevalent at UCI. I am somewhat concerned about the "commuter school" reality, however since I am engineering I am not sure how much time I would have to "socialize/explore" in a "dull" town, or even a relatively "livelier" one such as Santa Barbara. I am not sure if being in located in the O.C. would provide any better career opportunities. I talked to someone at UCSB Engineering and she said that her students go all over the world for internships over the summer, so that confuses me concerning location.</p>
<p>As I said before, my main focus is academics. I do not know too much about Masters Degrees, but as of now I will more likely than not attend graduate school. That being said, I am so confused on what school has a better engineering program. I do not know for sure what I want to do. I have a feeling that UCSB is better, but not sure. I want to be competitive for graduate school, and SB seems to be the best opportunity, but there are some concerns to the school as I mentioned above. There is always the option of transferring, but I don't know how viable of an option that is. Again, I am confused over how much "prestige" matters and what the "relative" amounts of each are. I get differing answers on every single question I ask. I was thinking about transferring to say, Stanford and then I would appear more desirable for employers. I just have my future at heart and it is very confusing in the now.</p>
<p>Thank you so, so very much. I know the post is long, but my story is a confusing and long-winded one. Any honest input is sincerely appreciated. I thank you and I hope you can help me make an informed decision. If you need any other information, just ask.</p>