The Sky is Falling

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Cruz
1

<p>I was waitlisted at Bowdoin College (my number one choice in Maine), and have appealed UC-Berkeley but I have to make a decision on where to send my SIR in the mean time (or for the long term if the Bowdoin/Berkeley outcome isn't in my favor)</p>

<p>I have narrowed my list to UCSD, UCSB, and UCSC. I ultimately want to go into international business but want to major in foreign languages or an International Studies-type major...</p>

<p>I consider myself to be rather unique comparative to an average southern californian...</p>

<p>UCSB</p>

<p>Pros: Great location, stunning campus/awesome facilities, have my major (global studies), I like the bike accesibility, laid back, beautiful people, etc.</p>

<p>Cons: I am absolutely and utterly TERRIFIED by the student body as a whole...I have visited twice and I was pretty intimidated by the OC Bro and Chanel fashionista population and I don't really consider myself a HUGE partier (though I do dabble in it) and I am definitely not a typical Socal-type kid....additionally I speak more or less coherently and I want to meet likeminded people! Can I get those people at UCSB??? That was not meant as a reproach but I'm genuinely curious...</p>

<p>UCSD</p>

<p>Pros: Stellar rep., strong academics, have my major (int'l studies), beautiful campus, intelligent and perhaps intellectually-inclined peers, love the college system</p>

<p>Cons: REVELLE College + tough courseload (and a myriad of classes that have have nothing to do with my prosp. major, lack of social life, I kind of wanted to get away (hence the desire to go to Bowdoin College, statistically the easternmost college in the US) + I don't like heat very much (I'm from Orange County and am ready for a full range of seasons)</p>

<p>UCSC</p>

<p>Pros: IMPOSSIBLY BEAUTIFUL campus, laid back environment, love the college system, have the opportunity to join the honors program (on the condition that I choose a certain college), interesting + quirky student body, very accepting, close proximity to SF and Monterey area (my twin brother's going to San Fran State)</p>

<p>Cons: shaky reputation, student body too weird?, I'm worried about the people who chose UCSC because that was their only option, grad school opportunities hindered?</p>

<p>I need to decide by May 1 (as all of you know) and I honestly cannot decide...I think primarily it's between UCSB and UCSC...because Revelle at UCSD has really turned me off...</p>

<p>Any advice or guidance is appreciated and you can PM me if you'd like.</p>

2

<p>I think the program you want to major in is ranked 9th. Recently UCSC has been getting alot of research grants. I think the "hippie" population that you talk about was around in the 70-80's and has died down since. Personally I think a degree from a UC is good no matter what UC you attend unless its UCB or UCLA just due to the cutthroat cutcompetition. My advise is look at the college and the major you want to do. Going to UCSC wont hinder your chances of getting into a grad school because remember UCSC is still a UC. </p>

<p>Note-Grad school is defineltly more important than undergrad. So going to UCSC and gettin a high GPA is better than going to UCD or UCSB and getting a mediocre one.</p>