I cant decide between these two great universities. Berkeley is better known, and having a degree from UCB will likely help me while finding a job. On the other hand, after visiting both schools, I’ve found that Santa Barbara has the campus “vibe” that I desire. At Berkeley students were friendly, but evidently stressed. They appeared to be slightly less sociable. However, at Santa Barbara, students seemed happy, relaxed, and very sociable. Both schools are in ideal locations ( though Santa Barbara beaches are hard to pass up) and have a great “college town” feel (Isla Vista and Telegraph street). Another reason why I am hesitant to go to Berkeley is the tough competition. If I intent to go to graduate school, Santa Barbara may be the better option. If i were to select Santa Barbara, I would enter (with the lack of a better phrase) as a highly competitive student. On the other hand, my GPA and standardized test scored would be subpar compared to the average Berkeley admit (I believe my essays allowed me admission into Berkeley). I can’t choose one of these schools over the other; one day I am committed to becoming a golden bear, the next a gaucho. My intended major is statistics, though I will likely explore other majores before declaring.
Thanks for any opinions.
For what it’s worth, my son had the same reaction to both schools. His intended major, chemical engineering, is ranked higher at UCB, but UCSB is no slouch. In the end he decided not to apply to UCB as it just didn’t seem like a fit. He’s now deciding among a group that includes UCs as well as other schools nationally, but he’s leaning toward UCSB for many of the reasons you cite. Can you go to the accepted students’ days at each school? I believe UCSB is next weekend.
I’m in a really similar situation right now, but with UCLA instead of Berkeley. After visiting, I’m definitely leaning towards SB. I just think the “feel” of the campus is more inviting.
I love ucsb and my experience there, but if I were in your shoes I’d choose Berkeley, because it’s Berkeley! Also for other personal reasons favoring that area lol my partner would agree also. Berkeley would be the only school I would’ve chosen over ucsb. Keep in mind people change their majors, most people do. Also if you’re a ucsb undergrad and you want to do grad school at ucsb too they might encourage you to go try another school for more experience like they did my friend. It would probably be harder to get into Berkeley for grad.
My sister is a cal alumni and people always react in ooo and ah no matter what she did lol I don’t get the same reaction at all being an ucsb alumni. I notice that cal alumni are at the head of almost every organization I know, they are the movers and shakers.