<p>So I got accepted into UCSC and UCM which are pretty much my only two options. I know that UCSC overall is more prestigious and such however, my decision is leaning on whether I could graduate in 4 years or less. I know currently the student undergraduate population at UCSC is around 17,000 while UCM is around 5000. My decision is based on whichever college is easier to get classes and which one am I most likely to graduate on time (4 years or less). Can anyone give me advice which school I would have an easier time getting classes and better chance of graduating on time? And also, which college would have better, safer on and off campus housing and parking? Thanks!</p>
<p>Also I am majoring in biology/biological sciences so keep that in mind please.</p>
<p>If you come in prepared, take a full load and are flexible about class times, you should be able to get through either in 4 years. Summer classes and AP credits could easily accelerate your course.
A word to the wise though… college life is pretty sweet. I wouldn’t be in such a hurry.</p>
<p>Our tour guide told us there are no student cars allowed on campus at Santa Cruz, so forget the idea of parking… I forget if that changes after the first year or two. </p>
<p>UC Merced would be easier to get into classes, but that wouldn’t really be a big issue at UCSC if you just did everything on time. If you applied to EOP, you have an early day to register too I believe. Personally, I would go with UCSC. You would have a more enjoyable time and the program has a better name if you’re looking to go to grad school.</p>
<p>For sure, thank you all. So @calla1 pretty much if i committed there to UCSC for my entire college undergrad tenure I would have to live on campus, get dropped off or live off campus leave my car there and just commute?</p>
<p>if it makes any difference, you can buy a parking permit for yosemite lake (which is about as far away from UCM as the UCM parking lot) which is only 40 bucks or so. certainly beats the 500 parking permit of the UC </p>
<p>Students do bring cars to Santa Cruz, but Freshman cannot get parking passes. However, my niece parks at a nearby church. I’m not sure what she pays for a pass at the church parking, but I think it is about $400/year for a spot. On weekends and Friday (after 4, I think?) no parking pass is required for the campus lots, so she parks her car on campus. </p>
<p>Ok can anyone tell me if church parking or off campus parking in any general specified location given by the campus for ucsc is generally safe? </p>
<p>Here is more info:</p>
<p><a href=“Off-Campus Parking Resources”>http://taps.ucsc.edu/parking/off-campus-parking-lots.html</a></p>