UC or CSU?

State Forums
1

I’m a senior who’s going to be applying to colleges pretty soon. I’ve chosen my CSUs (Humboldt, SLO, Pomona, Sonoma for safety, and maybe others in the future), and UCs (Davis, San Diego, Santa Cruz, and only maybe Santa Barbara; definitely not a partygoer). I’ve chosen these schools mostly because of the majors they offer, as my major will likely depend on where I go. I’ve been considering going into zoology, wildlife, biology w/ certain emphases, etc.

I’ve really liked the look of the CSU schools, as they seem much smaller and have a more intimate environment. I haven’t done any tours yet, but I have been to a few before and they seem absolutely beautiful; I’m huge on the natural environment around the school; take Humboldt and Sonoma for example. I’m also not huge on the LA type of climate, although it is where the large majority of schools seem to land.

However, most of my high school work dictates that I’d be more fit applying to a UC. I’m fairly average, but not bad at my school. I have a 3.96 GPA and a 1340 on the new SAT. I’ve been taking some AP classes, and I personally believe my extracurriculars/brag sheets look fairly impressive If it doesn’t hurt to mention, the family pressure has the mindset of only UCs getting you jobs. I also have a sibling going to UCLA for engineering, and they are very pro-UC.

Despite that, I still feel like I’m not entirely bought into it. I’m still applying, but I don’t think I’m a fan of the enormous student populations and the whole never-meet-your-actual-professor thing. And perhaps the hot weather as well…

From what I’ve heard the UCs so offer a more prestigious education, and are more research based. I’m really looking forward to college because I want to learn more about something that interests me and can be technically applied in a work setting (think wildlife rescues, sanctuaries, nonprofits, etc). I’ve also gotten the idea that the CSU is less prestigious and less ideal in the job market, although personally prestige doesn’t mean anything to me other than what it might look like on a resume.

I’m really interested in attending a CSU for the experience, but I feel that attending a UC might be a better choice in the long run. What should I do?

2

I think you have a great list. I would apply to all of those and see where you get in. You may love Santa Cruz as it’s not that big L.A. feel. Santa Barbara may be a reach, it’s got pretty competitive admissions. There is a great little zoo very close nearby which could be good for your intended major. The CSU’s you’ve picked are great campuses, less of that commuter feel than many of the others. SLO is very competitive for admissions and has a great reputation, it’s a big agriculture school which may or may not suit your interests? I really think your list is solid and you’re sure to have good options.

3

What is your UC/CSU GPA? https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/

There are many threads about the pros and cons of attending a CSU vs a UC. There are 9 UC campuses and 23 Cal states so based on the number of students attending these schools, a majority have graduated from a Cal State and go on to be successful. Many Cal States offer research opportunities, so it no longer limited to only UC’s and several Cal states are considered on the same level as some of the UC’s in reputation and academics. I would apply to all the schools on your list, see where you are accepted, visit and figure out which school fits you best academically/socially and financially since you will be spending 4 years at any college you pick.

Good Luck.