SJSU vs UCSC (Waitlisted)

College Search & Selection
1

I was admitted to San José State as a sociology major (when I wanted psychology). I was waitlisted at UC Santa Cruz with a cognitive science major. I want to go to Santa Cruz if I get off the waitlist, but I hear that housing is not guaranteed, and that worries me because I am far from home, and I would be homeless. However, I hear that it is difficult to graduate in 4 years at SJSU. It is a very impacted school, so I know my chances of graduating in 4 years would drop even more if I switch majors to the most popular one. Also, I feel that I will have more job opportunities with a cognitive science major. I’m sure finances wouldn’t be too much of an issue since I am low-income, and FAFSA gives me almost all the money for all my schools. I love the UCSC campus a lot more but I love the sports of SJSU more than UCSC. I love both schools but I am having trouble deciding what to do.

I think that if I SIR to SJSU, I will have to pay a large non-refundable deposit so that’s another thing to consider. $250 orientation $300 housing

Can anyone provide any guidance or advice? I’m in desperate need.
also for current students or alumni, are these statements true?

2

You need to SIR somewhere before May 1 so if you do not hear from UCSC by that date, what are your other options besides SJSU?

SJSU has the California promise which means you can finish in 4 years if you adhere to the outlined program.
https://www.sjsu.edu/californiapromise/

You also have to be willing to flexible with your scheduling and may want to take classes during summer session to help keep you on track.

Here is information on changing your major to Psychology at SJSU.

https://www.sjsu.edu/psych/Forms-Docs/Policies/Declaring_a_Major_Under_Impaction-Revised-2011.pdf