<p>I was admitted to UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara and Irvine and I have no idea where to go. I am an undeclared major at all of them, but I'm most interested in social sciences like international relations and the medical field. The finantial aid from all the schools is almost the same. I saw Davis recently and i liked it there, but the pictures from the other schools look nice too. I don't know where to go because they all sound almost the same. Any advice on where to go? Are there any differences between the schools that would help me make a choice? Please help</p>
<p>Interesting, the ranking for these 3 schools are the same. </p>
<p>Davis- it has the worst location of these 3. It’s not really near the ocean, which is a HUGE draw for california, nor is it near any amazing attractions for personal fun and enjoyment. It has a top knotch medical facility. It has a nice looking campus, and the biggest in the UCs. Davis is a nice place to live as a whole when you factor in everything.</p>
<p>UC Irvine- GREAT location, near some fantastic beaches such as Newport, among others. In addition it’s in a nice metropoliton area, though known by some as the “Irvine Bubble”. The Irvine Spectrum is a great hangout place, outdoor mall with so much to do. It’s near some great attractions throughout california. It’s the 2nd newest UC campus too. Last year they started a 1,000,000,000 campaign to some things within the college, one of which was healthcare. The campus is quite nice. Great social sciences, not too sure about medicine. I’d assume by the location it has some decent restaurants (Irvine has a few in and our burgers!). And the parks in the city are quite nice.</p>
<p>UC Santa barbra- beautiful location, it has it’s own beach! The town isn’t amazing, but there are plenty of parks, museums, and restaurants, but the city isn’t a booming cultural hub or anything. Essentially, the college is the main thing, and occassionally you go off campus. I know it’s the only state in california to offer a degree in pharmocology, but other than that I don’t know too much about med programs. Or social sciences for that matter.</p>
<p>Any other opinions? What is the social atmosphere at each school?</p>
<p>UC Davis is half way between San Francisco and Tahoe. Location is a college town, everything revolves around being student friendly. Very safe. Plenty of opportunity to study or party.
UCSB is right on the beach. Total party town. It is gorgeous, but not too well thought of for academics. Who could study living right on the beach?
Irvine is very science oriented. Many very serious students who ALL go home every weekend to study. Can be dead on the weekends. But great school if you want to be pre-med. Davis is great for sciences also by the way.</p>
<p>I personally thought about it for awhile.</p>
<p>If I had to choose, UCSB 
They’re about the same. Except UCSB is a party school and is beautiful.</p>
<p>All 3 schools are ranked #44 according to US News among nationally, and #12 among publics. So each are roughly equivalent academically. I went to UCSB, lived in Davis for 3 months, and have read the Irvine forums here for a number of years. Here’s what I would say:</p>
<p>UCD
Pros:
-Great, great city with good public transportation
-Lots of professional schools provide good research opportunities for undergrads
-Nice location not too far from excitement of San Francisco and gambling and skiing of Tahoe area
Cons:
-A visible number of students go back home to the SF Bay or Sacramento on the weekends
-Weekends tend to be quieter and not many places stay open late, police crack down on student rowdiness</p>
<p>UCSB
Pros:
-Incredible city for undergrads, everyone lives close by and few people go home except for quarter breaks
-Great location nestled between the ocean and Santa Ynez mountains providing countless recreational opportunities
Cons:
-Anecdotal evidence that “party school” atmosphere translates to lower academics
-Somewhat isolated location</p>
<p>UCI
Pros:
-Lots of research opportunities in Irvine
-Nice area with close access to places like Newport Beach and LA
Cons:
-Irvine is a quiet family town which generally frowns upon the student atmosphere
-Many students are commuters from the surrounding areas and the campus tends to empty out on weekends</p>