UCI or UCSC

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Irvine
1

<p>Blah, I've been debating about posting this since I've sorta spent last weekend obsessively looking up as much data on this as I could, including an old thread on this here forum, so I will probably hear the same things, but...</p>

<p>I just got in off the waitlist for UCI. I registered at UCSC as a backup, though I was pretty certain I'd get into UCI (my grades changed, sent an appeal also, ya). So when I registered for UCSC it was a "lul, I'm not going here anyway, I WANT TO GO TO IRVINE" type thing.</p>

<p>I'm an English (Creative Writing)/ History double major, and Irvine's Creative Writing department is AMAZING. Also, I have alot of friends in orange county and the surrounding areas. That's one of the things that first attracted me to UCI- I have a really good support system in the area, and I could keep my same job, still see my same friends, etc.</p>

<p>But, that's a double edged sword. I love my friends, I love my life, but I want to do the College Thing. Live in the dorms, cram all night, run around campus with tons of people utterly sillily. That's not a word. And everything I've read about Irvine is that it's a commuter campus- of course I've heard that this is a bit exaggerated, and there's plenty to do around campus- but I think there's still the fact that every weekend I'd be leaving campus and just doing the same things I already do. I want to live in the dorms, and I feel like there's no point in that if I go to UCI, since everyone'll be gone on the weekends anyway. </p>

<p>And the more I research UCSC... the more I love it. To little pieces. From the liberal arts college feel due to the different colleges, to the fact that everyone there isn't competing against each other for grades and therefor is willing to stab you in the back. My grades have been, not as great as they should, because I've been suffering with depression and anxiety and ADD (wheee) for years, and while I am trying to get past it, I don't want to throw myself into something- well, horrible. I know UCI is obviously not as cutthroat as UCLA or Cal, but, it's still pretty competitive. And I WANT the chance to do the college thing, to have to start over and make new friends (I do know a few people at UCSC already and have some friends in the bay area though, so, that's good.) </p>

<p>So, my opinion has completely changed as of a week ago. A week ago I was waiting for the chance to go YES to Irvine. Now, I really feel that UCSC is the right fit for me. But I'm wondering if that is stupid- UCI is way more prestigious than UCSC without a doubt. It's not that I'll be unhappy at UCI- I'll be really happy, my life will just sort of be the same it is now. Just, without the horrendous commute.</p>

<p>So, yes, I dunno, thoughts? o:</p>

2

<p>If you go to UCI would you live in a dorm? If so, there is PLENTY of opportunity for the fun social college life you crave. My daughter is just finishing her freshman year at UCI, and living in Middle Earth. While she personally doesn’t partake of all the dorm activities…her group of friends is elsewhere…I can tell you that there are TONS of opportunities for a “real” college experience if you are willing to take advantage of them. </p>

<p>College is what you make of it. Yes, many students do go home on weekends at UCI, but certainly not all of them do, and with the current incoming class consisting of more out of state and international students, I’m guessing even fewer will. </p>

<p>Choose your school for the whole picture…yes, the social part and the “fit” part are important, but in the end, it’s the education you receive that is the most important. I honestly know NOTHING about UCSC, it may be a very fine school, but I just want to let you know that you shouldn’t discount the possibility of having the kind of college experience you are craving at UCI…I’ve seen it happen with the kids in my daughter’s dorm.</p>

<p>Good luck to you with your decision!</p>

3

<p>If you are looking for a college in terms of rank/prestige, then UCI is the way to go compared to UCSC. However, in my situation, I chose UCI over UCSD because I loved UCI - the environment, atmosphere, and the places around it. It was also closer to my home. Personally, I think that you should choose a college where YOU feel the most comfortable and happy with because that will help you be successful =)</p>

4

<p>My son’s final decision came down to UCI and UCSC. It was like day and night! UCI was cement, UCSC trees and ocean. UCSC seemed much friendlier, UCI has clusters of ethnic groups. UCSC is not for everyone and I suggest you VISIT ASAP. My son, a very gay, liberal, loved UCSC!</p>

5

<p>Unfortunately I can’t really afford or have the time to visit before Sunday when the SIR is due, but I’ve researched both campuses, and what they’re like, more than I can explain. Also <em>waves the ‘Gay and liberal’ flag lol</em></p>

6

<p>let me know which one you are going to attend</p>

7

<p>I am also in a similar situation, except UCI would be my away from home experience versus UCSB which I have been around my whole life. It is a tough decision, familiar family and friends as a support group, or branching out to a new location and making new connections. I visited UCI yesterday, I was impressed by the campus, the buildings were large and architecturally brilliant and there is even a park in the center of campus! However, UCSC’s campus feels like it is the center of a national forest ;). I can’t really give you any good advice since I am stuck as well. Keep us updated on your thoughts and your final decision!</p>

8

<p>just choose the school that you feel the most happy and comfortable in :slight_smile: and also remember that you will be there for the next 4-5 years, so choose wisely :slight_smile: don’t choose it based on reputation and what other people say…choose what you truly want</p>