<p>Which school do you think would be better? I’m from the Bay Area and Davis would be a lot closer for me, but I wouldn’t mind going down to SB. I’m a transfer student majoring in political science and from what I have heard…the two schools are not that different when it comes to the rankings. However, I’m kinda stuck with these two. Here’s what I’ve noticed…</p>
<p>UCD</p>
<p>Pros: I’m able to take graduate classes (which means I can take classes at the School of Law I believe), the Capitol is 15 miles away, which means that I might be able to work as an intern or have a job over there, it’s 1:45 hours away from my house. UCD says that 70% of their graduates go to their first choice for graduate school.</p>
<p>Cons: When I went there, the ppl looked depressed and sad. I heard it’s also not that social of a campus and on the weekends, most ppl leave campus. As well, the only thing that you can do to have fun is to eat outside and drink.</p>
<p>UCSB</p>
<p>Pros: Social scene would be good. Beach is right there :-D. Not that far from SLO and LA if I decide I wanted to go. Seems like a fun campus.</p>
<p>Cons: Any political work I can do over there? I won’t be able to come back home that often.</p>
<p>That’s pretty much it. If anyone wants to refute some of the things I said…go ahead. Any other stuff I should consider? Better food? Better dorms for transfers? Which is easier? Provides more variety in campus life and in academics? Thanks.</p>
<p>i would go to Davis... (too bad i got rejected)
I will be going to SB instead...</p>
<p>i would have chose davis, i dont care about the cons... because most of them are talking about social life on weekends... on weekends i was planning to be at home since it's only one hour and a half away from home..</p>
<p>BTW, you have a better future at D,
you dont mention any pros for your major at SB.. only good social life...
it depends on your priorities...
what do you prefer your career or being social? :)</p>
<p>^^Smart way of putting it. For my bio major SB has much more research opportunities than Davis that will help my portfolio for a med school or research lab later on. I don't think Davis can boast having 7 nobel laureates that actually teach undergrad students. The easy going competition doesn't hurt getting ahead at SB either.</p>
<p>So saying "you have a better future at D" is very narrow minded and ignorant especially considering the wide range of merits for both schools.</p>
<p>Oh, and about the social scene, would you rather party and have your fun(in moderation, of course) as an undergrad where it is encouraged or as a grad student studying for the MCATs or law school? Thanks...</p>
<p>My brother went to UCSB and i am going to Davis and i have heard some great things about Davis social life- it's what you make of it and can be just as fun as UCSB. Plus I believe Davis has a slight edge accademically and is also near the silicon valley and capital for internships (davis is wayyyy better in that repect).</p>
<p>Woah...so much hating on the Davis social scene....sounds like your talking about irvine instead of Davis. I've posted numerous times about Davis's social life before, check out my previous posts...i go to Davis...i've been to the other UCs...i chose Davis over Irvine/SB...Davis has the perfect college social life...</p>
<ul>
<li>First and formost...it is my belief that Davis provides the best college experience out of all the UCs...you can't get more of an a-typical college life than Davis. The city revolves around the campus...it's the last true college town in California...walk around on a sunny day you'll find students throwing frisbees...playing sports on our numerous playing fields..biking around and enjoying the day. We have AGGIE PRIDE IN SPORTS too...all our programs are transitioning to D1...our Football team is transitioning to D1-AA....UCSB does not have football...and UCSB won't be getting a NEW FOOTBALL Stadium in 2006. You incoming freshman are the envy of the outgoing graduates who do not have a chance to see our sports team thrive against big time schools like Stanford.
-People in Davis are not sad and depressed...we're laid back and friendly...for instance...yesterday I drop a 20 dollar bill...some guy runs me down taps me on the shoulder and gives me my money...that's the Aggie Spirit...guys open doors for girls..it's a friendly place...we're chill...no people dressed up in Gucci or anything like that....
-People in Davis stay in Davis on the weekends...with Intramural activities and sports games and just wanting to stay with your friends at school..i've found not that many people venture home on the weekends in Davis for various reasons...in regards to parties....we have a strong fraternity scene (hence MTV Filming Sorority Life at Davis), with a strong party atmosphere...but don't worry...Davis isn't some school of drunks...students definetly study when they have too...</li>
<li>Davis provides the best student life out of all the UCs. Our public transporation system is all students and its free.....OUr Intramural sports programs has 15,000 students particpating in them...from Intertube Waterpolo to Indoor Soccer...the students here get really into the college activities and groups like IMs because that's how it is at DAVIS...
-The ARC---state of the Art recreation facility..even if you don't like sports you'll find yourself taking some sweet salsa dancing class or something...all this STUFF is free...and unlike other campus's you'll find that Davis students are really particpating in all these activities...</li>
</ul>
<p>Yea...i could go on...but i'm tired..for those of you that have already made the best decision of your life (in best decision i mean going to UC DAVIS) feel free to ask me questions about campus life and such...and the guy that posted about going home on weekends...DON'T the few freshmen I know that do go home...miss out on soooooooo much.</p>
<p>GoAgs...
so is a bike necessary? like really...
and the ARC has some indoor sports right? is it open to everyone? or do we have to take particular classes to use them? are they free?</p>
<p>A bike isn't necessary, but having a bike makes getting around campus and town a lot more conveniant. Everything provided in the ARC is free (except Rock Climbing...only 25 bucks for the whole year) Racket Ball, basketball, badminton, ping pong, volleyball, rock climbing....you can particpate in any of these activities at any time in the ARC. Now if your looking to do a sport such as Indoor Soccer, all you do is sign up for the Indoor Soccer intramual which is held in the ARC at a certain time during the year. If you are interested in say Fencing, you'll have sign up for the fencing class....which is also free. The ARC provides a bunch of classes/programs for students on top of the daily activities.</p>
<p>you can't go wrong with one of the two schools. my decision came down between davis and sb. i chose sb based on geography and the fact that for my year, sb was MUCH more selective than davis. we're talking about an acceptance rate in the high 40s vs low 60s. but that is not to knock davis one bit. </p>
<p>davis may be the last real college town left in california.</p>
<p>i think i read an article about the acceptance rate and the reason that it's 60 % acceptance rate is because they want more students in their campus..well...reasonable..Davis is such a HUGE school..why not..</p>
<pre><code> Acceptance rates should have very little to do with your decision. Who cares how selective a school is if it's superior. UC Davis will probably provide you with much more opportunity due to its capitol proximity. Plus, it has a reputable Law and Medical school. I've always considered Davis a somewhat hidden gem in California. It consistently has good academics, maintaining a great gpa is not overly difficult, and they really do appreciate and invest in their undergraduates. I really haven't met anyone that regrets their uc davis decision, but many who have regretted other schools. UCSB is a great school, but social scene and partying on del la playa are hardly reasons for choosing a school. Especially since you seemed focused on achieving and really doing something after graduation. I say go Davis- You'll have ample chance to look great and plenty of resources to build an excellent resume filled with internships at the capitol.
</code></pre>
<p>Its funny how all of you dismiss UCSB’s academics. </p>
<p>Don’t make desicions based on what people say on these discussion websites. Visit both colleges and talk to professors, students. UCD is a great school, but do not under estimate UCSB’s academics.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any stats on how UCSB’s 7 nobel laureates translates to student success? It would be fair to put that on here.
You should really consider just taking a day off and visiting both campuses. </p>
<p>The nobel laureates that they have are in the disciplines of Physics and Biochemistry. The laureates are known for their inter-disciplinary studies. UCSB’s physics department is top 3 in the nation and the program is extremely selective. </p>
<p>Having nobel laureates translates into more research funding from the private industry(over time). That translates into better research opportunities for the students.</p>
<p>A research giant
UC Davis received $586 million in research awards in 2007-08, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year. The campus ranks first in the UC system and fifth in the nation in non-federal research expenditures, reflecting the “real-world” applicability of its research.</p>