<p>I just know I'm not going to have a good time at UCLA. It's close to home, traffic, it's LA, and it's competitive, and argh.</p>
<p>UCSB is chill, near a beach, friendly, and far from home.</p>
<p>Someone break into my house and pick a school for me blindly or something.</p>
<p>Go where you think you will be the happiest since you'll be there the next two years...so if you don't feel like UCLA is a good fit for you then go to UCSB.</p>
<p>If it were me, I'd definitely go to UCLA even though it is really close to home. Sure it's LA but it's also in Westwood.</p>
<p>I heard UCSB is party school which means they are not seriously about academics.</p>
<p>Just, go to UCLA.</p>
<p>I wouldn't make a decision based on just what someone else happened to hear. Especially someone who has horrible grammar.</p>
<p>"party school" is a stupid term...at least you know UCSB has a good social life. There is more to college than just going to classes...you only have this experience once, so don't focus on the schools' reputations - focus on where you can see yourself being for 2 years and more importantly, focus on where you can see yourself being HAPPY for 2 years.</p>
<p>I am on the same boat. I want to go to UCLA because of the internships and the reputation. But at the same time, I want to go to UCSB because it's more laid back, and I feel that I will be happier.</p>
<p>But what about after those two years? Wouldn't UCLA pay off more when it comes to job placement?</p>
<p>you know, if you're torn between schools because of reputation, then I say go with the one that moves you (figuratively).</p>
<p>I was hoping to not get into Cal, so I wouldn't have to decide between LA and Cal. You ask any Cal transfer student/Current student about why Cal is better than LA and they'll always pull the "#1 public school" stunt. That's what got me.</p>
<p>Go to what school you WANT to go to. The next two years of your life are going to be some of the craziest and most exciting, might as well be somewhere we love.</p>
<p>As far as job placement? Well, depends on what you're looking for. If you work hard enough, wherever you go, it won't really matter what UC you went to. Just do really well and you're competitive enough anywhere.</p>
<p>xleper> I didn't choose Cal because it was ranked by US News & World Reports. I chose it because it had a better department for the type of history I want to study. (I apoligize for the tone, which might sound like I'm being argumentative but I just wanted to clarify that we all didn't choose to come to Cal based on a magazine's opinion)</p>
<p>I do agree that it is important to go wherever you think you'd feel more comfortable attending since you'll be there for at least another 2+ years.</p>
<p>Darn. I misspelled apologize (I hate when I don't spellcheck...) :)</p>
<p>Firefox comes with built in spell check ftw. ^</p>
<p>well yes, you sort of proved my point. Strongest program, which is reflected in some magazine's ranking. Which is the case for most of the departments at Cal, oddly enough, not the case for my department (haha).</p>
<p>I'm just saying that they shouldn't feel obligated to attend a school just because of the strength in the program. I don't care if philosophy is strongest in Death Valley, I would not go there because the last thing I want to do is spend my next two years in Death Valley. Does it make me less of a student? Well, one's own opinion comes into play here.</p>
<p>But will I be happier somewhere, let's say, not over 100 degrees for a 1/4 of the year? Yes, most definitely yes. Based purely on location, I'll take U of Hawai'i any day. As it is not an option, I'll take UCLA, to quote Edward04, ftw.</p>
<p>xleper> I actually reasearched the professors by their area of study, education and publications. I spent quite a lot of time at this... What it ultimately came down to was that Cal has the Center for British Studies - UCLA does not. I really wasn't kidding when I said that I didn't just listen to USN&WR or any other magazine for that matter... <em>slightly indignant</em></p>
<p>Not a slave to the corporate overlords.... <em>smashes iPod on the ground</em></p>
<p>I miss my iPod... :(</p>
<p>IM THE TRUTH: If you want to be independent and experience something new, go with UCSB. I know exactly how you feel. </p>
<p>In the end, it's all about networking. You have a better shot at job offers if you know the interviewer, as oppose to earning good grades and being an introvert. Of course this isn't all true, but it's something to think about.</p>
<p>When choosing, consider where you want to be in life.</p>
<p>Sure, go to a place which makes you happy, but do not disregard the academic curriculum from each campus. Academics are the sole reason you chose not to attend a CalState in the first place, right?</p>
<p>I have the utmost confidence you will make the correct choice. I hope the best for you.</p>
<p>I just submitted my SIR for UCLA. I feel good.</p>