Hi everyone,
Not sure if I was in the right forum but… here we go. I was recently accepted into UCI, SDSU, and CSUF among some others, and these are my 3 top choices. Realistically it’s between UCI and SDSU, but I figured I should consider CSUF too just in case because I hear that it has a great program for the area of study I’m in. My current major is International Business, I am out of state and in a CC. I do plan on getting my MBA, but not sure if I want to do it right away after I graduate with Bachelor’s.
I’ve done plenty of research online but I just still can’t decide. SDSU’s intent to enroll date is 3 days away and I am freaking out a little bit over which one I should choose. UCI has a better name among these 3, I hear it is a commuter school, it’s in one of the safest cities in CA and also entire US, and the weather is pretty good. However, I was admitted into their International Studies program instead of Business Admin (which I believe is very limited in space based on UCI’s website). I would have to do more research and decide on if I want to stay in Int Studies if I go there, and then apply and possibly transfer into their business department. I know UCI is more known for their science and engineering degrees, and its business side being relatively new. But it’s a UC, and it’s ranked much higher than the others.
On the other hand, SDSU admitted me in International Business. I have read on many sites that this school has a fantastic business program. It also has more parties, which I am fine with even though I am not really much of a hardcore party person. SD also has more fun things to do in general, it’s a great city. And I believe the beaches are nicer.
CSUF, I only hear that it has a pretty good business school, other than that, I have not much information on this school.
I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me out a little, especially those of you that grew up in one of these cities near these schools - what are they really like? Which one has the best business program and good networking opportunities? Which one is more likely for me to find an internship during college or a great job after graduation? Thank you so much! 
I would pick between UCI or SDSU, but since you got a direct admit into their International Business major, I would favor SDSU. UCI’s business administration major is impacted and would be very difficult to change into, so that is a consideration. UCI’s business school is ranked above SDSU’s but both my son’s have friends that have turned down some UC’s to attend SDSU for business. I may be bias since my younger son attends SDSU, but since you plan to pursue a graduate degree, saving a little bit of money to be used later for Grad school would be helpful. In the end, it is up to you but you will get a great education at either school.
I agree with Gumbymom, and I do have a bit of bias since one of my children attends SDSU. Many years ago, I had to pick between UCI and SDSU, and chose State (and never regretted it.) UCI is a wonderful university. When we visited the UCI campus a couple of years ago, I was concerned about how many students stay on the weekends, but all my kids have friends who attend there, and they truly love and enjoy the school. That said, San Diego has many internship opportunities. The Aztec alumni are a devoted bunch, and a huge percentage of college graduates in San Diego County attended SDSU and are very supportive of students and alumni. If you get involved with campus organizations, perhaps take the Freshman Leadership Connection class that is offered in the fall, and visit your professors during office hours, you will slowly start to build a foundation that will strengthen over time and will help you network. SDSU does have parties, just like any university, but that doesn’t mean a majority of the students attend them. Whether they party or not (or they’re somewhere in between), these students are a very focused bunch who do take their education seriously. You will find a perfect niche for yourself on campus that will uplift you, and prepare you for the future. And congratulations on being accepted to such terrific universities!
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Thank you all so so much! I have decided to go with SDSU, go Aztecs!
good choice, you would be in a bad position at UCI if you really wanted to switch to business.
Not sure if you are still active on this but was curious to know about the Alumni connections to get jobs
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