<p>I am still very early on in my college searches, but right now I have two top choices: Either University of Oregon or UCSB. At the moment, my family isn't in the best financial situation, therefor being an in-state student will help get into UCSB, however, I do not know all that much about the schhol.</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything about UCSB...</p>
<p>A. How is the education. What is your major. (I'm interested in video production and journalism)
B. How is the campus? How is the city of Santa Barbara off-campus?
C. How is the social life? Fraternities/sororities? Party scene?
D. Financial? Are they stingy about financial aid and loans? What are their policies?</p>
<ol>
<li>Education is considered top notch. Great job placement throughout California if you intend to take on a career in the area. No clue why so many people on CC consider it only a party school. The academics are great. A friend of mine attends UCSB right now on a soccer scholarship.</li>
<li>That’s an obvious one. Nice area, very city-like. Trust me, you won’t even be paying attention to your surroundings once you’re there. The parties and school = your life. </li>
<li>UCSB is notoriously known for it’s parties and social scene. A big social scene comes hand in hand with greek life. </li>
<li>Not sure, but since you’re in-state, you’re golden.
Sounds like you’re heading off to UCSB…you’ll love it.</li>
</ol>
<p>I don’t go to UCSB but I can answer your questions.</p>
<p>A. The education is definitely well-respected, but I don’t believe they offer a journalism program.
B. Great campus and city. Right by the beach.
C. If you’ve heard anything at all about UCSB, you’ll know it’s one of the biggest party schools in the country. Aren’t there kids at your school who always dream of getting in?
D. Public schools usually aren’t too generous with financial aid, but that’s because they’re half the price of private schools if you’re in-state. I don’t know exactly what your financial situation is but if you need aid you should go for an academic scholarship.</p>
<p>If you get into both UCSB and UO, definitely choose UCSB - it’s more prestigious and you get in-state tuition.</p>
<p>a) UCSB is harddd. A few of my friends that are really smart are having trouble at UCSB, but are being challenged in their classes and learning. UCSB has a lot of Nobel Prize winning prof’s. 12th best public university. U of O is also a great school.</p>
<p>b) Santa Barbara is epic. The student housing is centered around Isla Vista which is directly next to the campus. Its about 2 miles, but has a student population of around 20,000. It is like a city of students wanting to party hard, and have fun… Its nuts. Its kind of a dirty place as well. Every street you walk down, there is vomit, and beer cans everywhere… But it’s really fun. The thing ive noticed though is that most of the upperclassmen are all drugged and partied out… Del Playa is the major street, its the main street parallel to the ocean in Isla Vista, and a lot of the parties go on there.</p>
<p>U of O seems a little more quiet, the campus seems pretty green, and it is pretty clean. There is a lot of school spirit, holds the college experience feel.</p>
<p>c) UCSB is nuts, as i said before, almost all of the partying takes place in Isla Vista… Its really easy to get drawn into the partying and it shows, with the average gpa being a 2.01 after first year. I guess there is a pretty heavy drop out rate as well. But most people would be fine.</p>
<p>d) Hardd on financial aid at UCSB and there are minimal financial aid opportunities at U of O. But I think if you have above a 3.75 you get like instate tuition at U of O.</p>
<p>Both are very different, and both are worth visiting.</p>
<p>Its really easy to get drawn into the partying and it shows, with the average gpa being a 2.01 after first year. I guess there is a pretty heavy drop out rate as well. But most people would be fine.</p>
<p>Bay Area Alex I can help you out I just graduated from UCSB
A. The journalism department is pretty good, I believe. I knew a few people in it and they are having a great time. My undergrad major was sociology, women’s studies, and english. They were all great
B. You will be in close quarters with Isla Vista, a college town for sure. Lots of people all the time, everyone roaming the street at whatever hours, bikes everywhere. But its a beautiful little town, with a lot of community feel. There are always outdoor concerts, shows, and events going on.
C. Partying is ridiculous at UCSB. But don’t let that get you down. I was a total, full blown stoner and still got straight A’s. Its all about commitment I guess
D. and sorry, i have no idea about financial aid. A lot of people there including me are trust fund babies</p>
<p>Maybe I can help to answer some of your questions also. I currently attend UCSB and I must say that it was one of the best decisions i’ve ever made in my life. The campus and surroundings are beautiful, along with downtown santa barbara. Pretty much everything is within walking/ biking distance, the weather is beautiful most of the time and everyone is pretty laid back.</p>
<p>The partying here in I.V is pretty much a ****show and you could probably find a party any night of the week if you wanted, but students pretty much know how to juggle education with their social life. Other plus is the nightlife in downtown SB, which is also excellent. One of my favorite aspects about the party scene here is that you never have to risk a dui because of the way the college town is designed. </p>
<p>Probably the next best decison after coming here was joining a fraternity. I never saw myself as a “fraternity guy” at all, but you can’t judge something you know nothing about. It has truly enriched my college experience here.</p>
<p>One of the biggest mistakes you can do is judge ucsb by it’s reputation because the education is vey challenging and you’ll be surrounded by lots of intelligent students.</p>
<p>One downside here is the cost of living. Everything here is expensive, well compared to where i’m from (bay area also). </p>
<p>A. The education is awesome! professors and TAs are super chill. im undeclared right now and im taking a bunch of random classes and its awesome
B. campus is gorgeous. come tour and see for yourself. and youll prolly be spending most of your time in IV, which you also must come see for yourself. its awesome
C. lets put it this way- i feel bad for people that go to other colleges cause i dont see how they can have any fun. this is the place to be for an amazing social life
D. theyre pretty generous with aid if you qualify, but with the budget crisis things may be changing</p>
<p>im a freshman right now and i am madly in love with this school. i would rather go to community college than any other campus haha</p>