I’m a transfer from Santa Barbara and I feel so incredibly grateful to have gotten into both schools, but I’m completely torn on which school to go to. I’m not a CA resident so I haven’t really explored much or have friends to ask at either school. I know both schools are great education wise. I love SB and i’m so sad to be leaving here… I am leaning more towards Cal poly since it seems a similar vibe to Santa Barbara. San diego intimidates me, even tho it does seem more fun and a bigger city means more opportunities. I also may have a few friends moving there soon, which would be fun to take on together. I heard sdsu is in a bad area and I would be interested living near the beach. This feels like it would be inconvenient, driving in sd traffic and I feel like I wouldnt really feel apart of campus like doing greek life if I live 20 minutes away? I have no idea what to do! I’m super stressed, any advice and thoughts you have on either school would be super appreciated
My daughter was considering all three schools, UCSB, SDSU, and Cal Poly. WL at UCSB, admitted to SDSU and Poly, so we know all well. (She picked none of the above, although I would have been happy with her at any of these schools.)
First off, why are you transferring from Santa Barbara? Or is it SBCC? UCSB seems idyllic. Love that school.
Yes you are correct. CalPoly has a similar vibe to UCSB. Campus isn’t as nice, and not right on the water, but the surrounding area is awesome. I actually like the town of SLO better than Goleta/IV. I also like SDSU (even more than UCSD), but it’s more of an urban campus and it’s inland so not on the beach. You could live near the Trolley line and take it to school every day in San Diego, avoiding traffic.
SDSU has a good international relations program, decent business school, and it has big time sports like football and basketball. I got the impression that the area around SDSU is a little sketchy and Niche gives it a “C” grade for safety. SLO gets a “B”. The school is a bit more sleepy and laid back, but so is UCSB or SBCC.
Academically, SLO is a very good school. I think you would get a decent job, especially in the sciences and engineering, out of the school. I think SDSU has a good reputation too.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice.