<p>Hi! So I got into UCSB and Tulane, and I'm trying to decide between the two. I live in California and I really want a change of scene, and I love Tulane, but I'm wondering whether UCSB is a "better" school. Opinions?</p>
<p>My son has the same exact situation - and from a cost perspective UCSB is much more affordable … I am interested in opinions out there also …</p>
<p>I see you put the word better in quote marks, so I am assuming we agree that the terms “better” or “best” (The latter used shamelessly by US News to sell their completely bogus rankings) are useless when it comes to something as complex and subjective as the university experience. All one can do is look at some stats, read about the general impressions people have of a place, and most crucially decide what is important to you in where you will live and study for the next 4-5 years. For example, if you have to be able to surf to feel satisfied with your lifestyle, UCSB is clearly the place to be. If instead you have a craving to explore new environments, cultural heritages, etc. then Tulane and New Orleans is probably the better choice. Larger versus smaller, state versus private, so on and so forth. This all assumes that finances are not the issue. Certainly if going to Tulane would mean large debt coming out, then I would recommend against it. Anyway, you get the idea that better or best should always be shorthand for “better for you” or “best for you”, not absolutes. That being said, let’s look at some particulars.</p>
<p>Size: Freshman undergrad enrollment UCSB - ~3700 ; Tulane - ~1600</p>
<p>Retention Rates: UCSB 91% ; Tulane 90%</p>
<p>Acceptance rate: UCSB - 45.5% ; Tulane - 24.9%</p>
<p>SAT Ranges, CR, M, W, mid 50%: UCSB - 540-650 560-680 540-660 ; Tulane 620-710 620-700 640-720</p>
<p>ACT Composite range: UCSB 25-30 ; Tulane 29-32</p>
<p>I won’t quote top 10% of high school class because this stat is completely bogus for all California schools. 96% in top 10% for UCSB?? I don’t think so. This stat is routinely fudged by many state schools. Same with GPA, for similar reasons and because they don’t adjust to a 4.0 scale as instructed (obviously since they report an average GPA over 4.0 at some schools. UCSB reports an average GPA of 3.92, higher than some Ivies!!!)</p>
<p>Tulane reports 86% of freshmen are from out of state, UCSB 5%</p>
<p>Frat life participation appears similar</p>
<p>This is all according to their Common Data Set for 2010-2011 (UCSB) and 2011-2012 (Tulane). These were the most recent I could find for each school. Unlikely the stats differ much for UCSB 2011-2012.</p>
<p>So in short, rankings notwithstanding, I would say that Tulane has the more academically proficient student body, smaller class sizes, and a far more geographically diverse student body. UCSB is more ethnically diverse, less expensive (assuming no scholarships) and in a more temperate climate. New Orleans is warm most of the year, but obviously not as even and moderate as SB.</p>
<p>I am sure a UCSB supporter could present this in a somewhat less biased way. After all, this is the Tulane forum. But the rest comes down to what is important to you, specifically. If you have certain things you would like to know about Tulane and New Orleans, please ask. Many here would be glad to fill you in.</p>