UC Santa Barbara or Cal State? (Economics major)

Colleges and Universities A-Z California State University - Fullerton
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Hello everyone,

I got admitted into UCSB. Not really sure how :)) but it happened! I wanted to go to Cal State Fullerton but still have not heard back from them… my plan B was Cal Poly but I do not want to go there, it was an “if all else fails” school for me.

I want to attend grad school after my undergrad is complete, so I am debating… hypothetically, if I do get into CSUF what should I do? I am going to visit UCSB next week to get a feel of my campus. But all my friends who attend UCSB say I would LOVE it there and fit right in with the scene.

Pros of UCSB: better program, preps more for grad school (I think? Not sure, that is why I am making this post), gets me out of the place I was raised in
Cons: I have to appeal my FAFSA… since I doubted myself I did not select it in the “School Selections” part of my FAFSA form

In regards to my con… I think you need a fairly decent reason as to why you did not complete the FAFSA in time. What should I say? I do not want to put, “Hey, I did not think I would get in…please waive my tuition because broke and able now”

Pros of Cal Poly/hypothetically CSUF: affordability, same education/less prestige, do not need to move or look for a new job
Cons: have not been admitted to CSUF, do not like the Cal Poly nor want to attend there

Please help me. Most concerned with where I will excel and be happiest at.

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You missed the extra cost of UCSB. I don’t think you need to appeal the FAFSA do you, you just add the school. I am sure they do this all the time.

Unless there is a financial or very specific reason not to go to UCSB it really seems like no choice to me. It’s a better school, it’s a better on campus environment (not a commuter school). Arguably a better location.

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@homemadehitshow financial is the issue as of right now. If I get my FAFSA (even thought I submitted it late) then I will definitely go there!

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Financial meaning that it just costs more, outside of the FAFSA part. I said in the other thread that I am a parent and I just don’t see the FAFSA as a problem based on my experience.

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@homemadehitshow I know I would have to worry about rent… i already pay for everything else on my own. My car will be paid off by Fall so I can apply my now car payments toward rent. Also, I have 3 years of serving experience - 4.5 in a restaurant - so hopefully I can get a server job out there and live off my tips like i do now lol or maybe even try to bartend because I will be 21 at that point. I talked to my professor today, I think I am going to try a semester out there or else I will regret not taking the opportunity. If it doesn’t work out, then I can always come back home and transfer to a Cal State.