Hey guys, so I’ve been admitted to UT for fall 2018. I’ve actually made a huge mistake by not applying to UCSB during the application period and now I’m been regretting a ton (they even visited my school). I know that both schools are great in terms of academics and student life, however, there’s something about being close to the beach and the laid-back culture at UCSB that just feels right.
I emailed the admissions officers at UCSB and they said its too late to submit a late application which is completely fair. I’m an OOS student so the price is pretty similar for both.
I’ve also been admitted to UCSC, although it’s located near the coast I heard the locals hate the students there which is a huge turnoff and the fact that the party scene isn’t as prevalent as UT or UCSB.
I see it as UT having the party scene but lacks the beaches whereas UCSC has the beaches but lacks the party scene, and UCSB has the perfect combination of both. The thought of transferring as a junior to UCSB seems like I would miss out on all the fun the freshman and sophomores have and it’ll be so much harder to adjust when most of the juniors are living off campus with their cliques.
I’m contemplating whether to take a gap year (I’m 20 this year meaning I’ll be heading to college when I’m 21) or just suck it up and head to UT/UCSC, maybe it might surprise me.
Any advice or thoughts from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
There is an option you don’t seem to have considered: go to UT and decide to love it.
My guess is that you’re a well rounded kid. That there’s not just one singular college in this huge country that could make you happy. That you’ll be able to find other kids just like yourself at UT. That you’ll be able to find out why some kids choose it as their “dream school”-- though personally I hate that particular phrase. But the people who work at UT are probably immensely proud of their school and all it has to offer-- why not feed into some of that?
And I have to mention: either taking a gap year or deciding to attend halfheartedly while assuming you’ll transfer are both plans with the same basic flaw: you haven’t been accepted to UCSB and there’s no guarantee that you will be. Read the threads here-- there are so many kids this year who weren’t accepted to schools that they assumed were slam dunks.
I understand the attraction of the beach; I live on Long Island and just LOVE the beach. But college is 4 short years. You could always move to a beach town after you’ve completed your education.
My suggestion is that you choose from either UT or UCSC-- and look at things beyond the party scene and the neighborhood, look at the schools and their internships and their study abroad programs and the education you’ll receive and the Career Placement offices and all the rest-- and decide on one of them. And dive into it with your whole heart. Decide to love the school you’ll be attending.
Most people end up pretty much as happy as they decide to be. It’s time to decide.
Pick a school where you have been accepted and choose to love it! Austin is a GREAT city. They don’t have beaches but they have the river with swimming areas, jogging paths, and parks. Also Lake Travis isn’t far and is totally beautiful. Good luck!
This is silly. UT is a much better school than either of those UCs. Plus, if you did another gap year, you’d be 21 and you’d find that the 18 year old freshman are silly babies. As it is, you’re going to be older than they are.
Curious…are your parents fine with paying OOS for either of these schools? Certainly neither of those UCs are worth the OOS costs.
@oldfort hey thanks so much for your input! yes its true I didn’t talk about academic fit. Just to clear the air I didn’t bring this up because I’m choosing to major in psychology with a minor in econs, and the psych department in UT and UCSB are pretty much the same :). I feel that academic wise (UT=UCSB)>UCSC. Being a surfer for such a big part of my life I’m just questioning the change in environment and campus life, hence why I decided to post this. I hope this makes things clearer!
@mom2collegekids yeah I guess being 3 years older than 90% of incoming freshman does make a difference. Yes, my parents are willing to pay OOS since I’m first gen and they really want me to earn a degree. I’m choosing to major in psychology but like most high school seniors declaring a major, it usually changes after a year in college when they are exposed to new and different things so I don’t want to sound too naive and give a set career goal at the moment.
All I know is I don’t see myself in grad school, I’ll probably start working after 4 years in college.
@oldfort you meant UT*? I have a big passion for the beautifully imperfect human condition, hence psychology. I understand its hard to get a job that’s why I want to minor in something else or do a dual degree in CS or maths, living by the 70/30 rule
Basic therapist roles and social work requires a masters and you can do it no problem with some hard work. You have to what it takes to get into some good schools. You can work in addiction recovery or treatment facilities with a bs but the pay is very low. Or use you Econ degree and get into financial advisory where your psychology background wilk come in handy too
Can your parents pay for these schools out of pocket or are they taking loans for you?
We’re you in the military or did you spend the past 2 years surfing (professionally)?
Can you defer at UT?
Personally I’d suggest a gap year. You don’t sound academically focused and your reasons for turning down UT and UCSC aren’t very logical.
Didn’t read all the comments but I do have something to add… If you are able, attending a CA community college for a year and then transferring will:
a) up your chances (by a lot: freshman have a 35.9% acceptance rate, and transfers have a 47%, not only that but CA students are prioritized and CA community college students are doubly prioritized).
b) save you money
c) you get some of that California you crave!
I do agree with some of the other posters though, assuming that you will get in is not a great way to plan for your future, always have a couple back up plans. But… at the same time that doesn’t mean that you have to give up.
The community college is SB is also considered one of the very very best… just sayin’
As a parent I would never pay for my kid to go to out of state community college. He/she can pay for a beach lifestyle when he/she is self supporting.
OP - are you a resident of TX?
there’s a new wave pool in Austin and Mexico is a quick flight for good waves, coast is a road trip for lame but surf able waves. Austin is great and I’d choose UT in a heartbeat. you will definitely be able to find like-minded classmates there. good luck
