<p>I'm looking for college choices in California, particullary San Francisco. What are some choices and why do you think they are great? It should be in a big city, and give a little info on its academics and social life. I know that alot of CA schools are party schools, so try to avoid those (I like to party, but I value education more than partying. I'd rather go somewhere where alot of students value the same thing). I also don't like beaches</p>
<p>San Francisco proper has two main undergraduate colleges: University of San Francisco (USF) and San Francisco State (public). Neither are party schools 
San Francisco is for most part a commuter public college. University of san Francisco is a college with a long San Francisco tradition. It has it’s merits, and strong advocates.</p>
<p>Most people wouldn’t consider either of these universities “great”. But USF might be a fit for you.</p>
<p>For great universities think Standford and UC Berkeley in Northern California. Neither are “party” schools and neither has a “beach” culture. For that you have to go the Southern California (mostly) public universities.</p>
<p>U say USF isn’t a great school. I’d like a second opinion (not that I don’t trust yours. I actually see it as not that great, but maybe if I get a good argument on why it is, I’ll consider it)</p>
<p>If you are a female, you might also want to consider Mills College in Oakland. It has some wonderful departments and it is easy to incorporate Berkeley into your social life.
As for USF, it is not a bad school, but it is not the same level as many in the region. Santa Clara is not a bad place either.</p>
<p>SF doesn’t have a great amount of good schools. It would help if you said why you have to go here for school–I wouldn’t.</p>
<p>First up is Berkeley. Go there if you can. </p>
<p>If you can’t, explain.</p>
<p>Edited to Note: you are talking about party schools and stuff, like they are really in SF??? They are not. there are lots of ‘so called’ party schools in CALIFORNIA, but, guess what?? most students there don’t party much either. Sorry to spoil the fun.</p>
<p>No, I DON’T WANT a party school. That’s why I’m avoiding schools in places like Florida. And if SF doesn’t have any good schools, what are some good colleges in California in big cities (I don’t want to have to use a car). </p>
<p>I picked San Francisco because of the weather. That is the ONLY reason. Since it isn’t that great, I won’t make it one of my targets, but is it as least “back-up” material for a 3.75 GPA 29 ACT scoring student?</p>
<p>Check out Santa Clara University – located very near San Jose airport. Good access to mass-transit to SF, Jesuit school with reputation for community focus. Could be a good fit with your interests and stats. Great weather, no beaches, beautiful campus, etc.</p>
<p>There are plenty of good schools in California and they don’t have to be in a big city to have great public transportation because its highly valued in this state and you can find it at most colleges you choose to attend. I don’t go to CSU Chico but I currently live here and they have a great public transportation system for a small city of about 90,000 people. I wouldn’t steer clear of any school because of its reputation as a “party school” because how much you get involved with that scene is entirely your decision and can be avoided. The two biggest party schools that I know of in California are UC Santa Barbara and CSU Chico but both are decent schools, UCSB actually is considerably prestigious. But like I said its just a stereotype. As someone with personal experience with relocating to CA and searching for a good education, consider this advice. If your serious about school here in California I highly suggest moving here first for a year and establishing your residency before attending school (unless your going to a private school), that way its 1/4 the cost b/c imo there isn’t one public university in Cali that’s worth out of state tuition. </p>
<p>Further, where you should be looking to go to school should have a lot to do with your major. So what is your major? If your looking for generally good schools (if your a transfer with those kind of stats + some EC’s you’ll have a shot at almost any public school in CA) I would begin my search at the UC’s for top knotch public school education. UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz would be a good start. However, if you dont like beaches that slims that list considerably. UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UCLA will keep you away from the beach and are all great schools because of their opportunities for research and student activities, and also a generally good lifestyle with friendly people (except maybe at UCLA, cant speak from experience though). There are also a few CSU schools worth looking into, but we definitely need more info from you first before more specific suggestions can be made. </p>
<p>BTW, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and CSU San Francisco are the only public schools in general proximity to San Francisco that are worth considering imo.</p>
<p>You can pm me if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help.</p>