<p>Hi all, I'm having a really hard time deciding between the two. I've visited both campuses and I love the feel of both.. Could anyone offer any opinions?</p>
<p>UCSB! But I’m very biased :)</p>
<p>Is the a significant cost difference to consider? Are you from CA?</p>
<p>I am from CA, and didn’t get any scholarships like Regents etc, but I did get get a merit scholarship of 22K / year to Tulane (need-based not out yet for me). So the cost difference wouldn’t be as large as one would think.</p>
<p>I’m at Tulane right now, the campus is beautiful — it just feels a little bit off and I feel like I want to come here a little less than before. On the other hand, UCSB’s beach and campus really appeals to me. I know it sounds like I’m choosing UCSB mentally, but I’m more confused than ever because before I was sure I’d choose Tulane.</p>
<p>what majors are you interested in. Each school has its strength and weaknesses.</p>
<p>I’m in UCSB for poli sci and Tulane for Economics. Not strong majors; but I’m interested in both</p>
<p>If UCSB feels right… (I’m also biased…)</p>
<p>I am very biased towards Tulane (obviously) but I always advocate going with your gut. Both schools will give you a good education in whatever major you choose. So fit is really important, and only you can decide that. For a lot of people there are certain features about a school that make that decision easier. You don’t indicate that there is such a feature that makes either school a clear choice, unless being able to go to the beach in your free time is that important to you. There is nothing wrong with that, btw. It isn’t all about academics, this is a place you will be living for 4 years. Aspects such as weather, sports, being in a city vs. a college town, etc. are legitimate factors to consider. Being in New Orleans is a big draw for a lot of people, it is a constantly fascinating city. But if none of this makes it clear-cut for you, and since you have limited additional information and can only visit for a short time, you can only use your instincts to decide. Don’t be afraid to listen to that voice in your head.</p>
<p>Having said all that, there is one academic aspect that I have always felt is important. That is the quality of your peers. Tulane is at a clear level higher than UCSB when it comes to the academic achievements of their incoming students. Looking at the SAT scores of the UCSB entering class, the mid-range SAT scores are 540-660 CR, 570-690 M, 560-670 W. Those same ranges for Tulane are 630-720, 620-710, 640-720. The ACT composite is 24-29 for UCSB and 29-32 for Tulane. These are not small differences. Unfortunately because UCSB doesn’t report unweighted GPA and Tulane does, it is hard to compare these stats. So while I truly believe the quality of instruction at both schools will be very good, I have found that an equally important, if not even more important component of the academic experience is how challenged you are by your fellow students. So that is certainly worth weighing in your decision. Also of course UCSB is completely dominated by Californians (97% of the undergraduate class) while Tulane is much more geographically diverse.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I think all you can do is take all that in, balance it out as regards what matters to you, and then make the decision as best you can. Once you have made it, don’t think about it any more, just embrace it and have a great college career at either school. I hoped that helped a little.</p>
<p>@fallenchemist wow thanks so much that was very informative / explanatory.</p>
<p>@westvicious - No problem, happy to be of some help. Thanks for the Like, although if you found it helpful there is a tag for that. Anyway, let us know what you decide and why. Hope you had a good time in NOLA.</p>