So, I’m a low income spring admit/transfer student trying to hold out my dual SIRs at UCB and UCD for as long as possible because they’re honestly both great schools and I’m still waiting for financial aid. I’d ideally like to try for a career in content creation and development if I have the chance, but I’m willing to fall back on copyediting, technical writing, or otherwise be that person who writes airplane safety pamphlets.
Originally, I thought UCI would have been the best fit for an English program for me: it seemed in-depth, interesting, and comprehensive without being needlessly overbearing. The program had good industry connections to internships in media, publishing, and entertainment industries, and I felt comfortable with students and faculty. I also intend to continue with some independent writing projects and outside jobs over my college career and it seemed like a happy medium of more available professors and courseloads that could be both flexible and challenging. However, I also needed a spring deferment (which UCI only allows in medical emergencies or family death), and I couldn’t afford another $100 greyhound to Southern California after my visit, so that option was out.
I don’t want to completely take UCB out of consideration just yet. I’ve already crashed several career/networking events and been amazed by what I’ve seen, learned, and found access to. There are countless businesses to work for, both before and after graduation. There may also be financial aid resources that I have yet to learn about that could be very helpful to me. However, I’m entirely self supporting and have doubts as to whether I can survive in the Bay Area (even BARTing in from a cheaper town) and if Berkeley will allow me to maintain a job or two and succeed in classes. I’ve had much more difficulty communicating with EOP, and therefore, arranging the kinds of services I’ll need. My impression also seemed that the faculty was more distant, with more of a student interest in getting ahead rather than in content.
My concern with Davis seemed to be that there was a strict department division between Critical Theory and Creative Writing without much room for degree focus in between. The oppounities for internships and industry networking also seemed more limited than with UCI or UCB. Davis’ small size also made it a bit difficult to find work in general when I stayed for the summer, but the rent prices were much more reasonable, and the students and faculty more approachable; this would also probably be the better option for developing work outside of class. And, there was much less of a barrier with EOP and financial aid (although, like UCB, this is still processing.)
If anyone has any thoughts or insight, feel free to let me know - thanks!