UCI vs UCD vs UCSB for Political Science

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

<p>I’m a prospective UC student, and I’m hoping for acceptances into these three schools. Hypothetically if I got into these three schools, I would have a hard time deciding between which one would be the best for me. (Obviously this is a hypothetical situation, and if I get rejected from a campus, it will make choosing easier. I also got accepted into a few other schools so I do have safeties). </p>

<p>I am hoping to major in Political Science and minoring in music. I want to go to the school that has the best reputable humanities/social science department. </p>

<p>I haven’t researched on the social science departments at these schools, and for that matter, I have no idea how reputable the programs are for each school. My ultimate objective is law school however. </p>

<p>I live in Irvine, literally 4 minutes away walking distance from UCI. I do like the city, but also I am kind of sick of it and I want to live somewhere else for a change. I have nothing against the school however, in fact I really like it. I probably would not dorm at UCI if I chose to go there, as it would be the best economic choice for my family (at the expense of my social life). But it seems that UCI has a better reputation overall than UCD and UCSB, but I don’t know if it’s better than those two schools in Political Science. In essence, I want to get out of Irvine, but if UCI is the best school in Poli Sci, I’d be down to go there. </p>

<p>I really like SB’s location and campus. It seems to generally have a good reputation, but overall it seems worse that UCD and UCI. I’ve heard that social life adversely affects academic life, and if you’re serious about maintaining a good gpa, then UCD and UCI is better. I still like this school, and for its campus and location, I would be really happy to attend this school. And if it is deemed the best school at political science, I would go for sure. </p>

<p>UCD is the school that I know little about and have not visited. Apparently in rankings, it has been with a stalemate with UCI, although it recently surpassed both UCSB and UCI. Still, I’ve heard that UCI has a better reputation overall. Since this is UCD’s forum, how would you guys rate the poli sci program there? I’m not concerned about social life, seem UCI seems pretty dull and I’m sure that UCD is better. </p>

<p>I’m really active in music too, and that will be a factor. But right now, i’m more concerned about the poli sci programs at these respective schools. I don’t think these schools have a HUGE difference, but which one do you think has the best poli sci program?</p>

2

<p>I would say Davis has a great poli sci program. There are tons of opportunities to get involved in internships and the like too, they have a great program in Washington D.C. that several PS majors swear by. It’s definitely better than UCSB and UCI political science programs. I’ve only taken 2 PS classes, but they were both great.</p>

<p>More information:
[UC</a> Davis Political Science - Undergraduate Program](<a href=“http://ps.ucdavis.edu/Undergraduate_Program/]UC”>http://ps.ucdavis.edu/Undergraduate_Program/)
[UC</a> Davis Department of Political Science - Davis, CA](<a href=“http://www.yelp.com/biz/uc-davis-department-of-political-science-davis]UC”>http://www.yelp.com/biz/uc-davis-department-of-political-science-davis)
[Political</a> Science - Davis Wiki](<a href=“http://daviswiki.org/Political_Science]Political”>http://daviswiki.org/Political_Science)</p>

3

<p>For a poli sci major, UC Davis has a advantage being so near Sacramento - there are a lot of internships at the Capitol. I think that as far as reputation, the three schools are pretty even. If you live in Orange County, it is natural that you would hear more about UCI.</p>

4

<p>I was just about to say what strykermom said. Davis has a very good internship and career program. I think being near the capitol will definitely benefit u for poli sci</p>

5

<p>You should choose the campus you like the best. Remember that UC’s offer semester away where you can attend any UC you’d like for one semester so if you want an internship in Sacramento you can do it. Also the Washington DC program is for all UC’s so again not to worry. If you plan on law school-Davis and Irvine get the nudge over SB.</p>

6

<p>I’m a political science major who transferred from UC San Diego to Davis. In my opinion, my political science professors at Davis have been as good, if not better, than the ones I had at UCSD. I also had the option to transfer to Berkeley, but decided to choose Davis because of the huge number of internships available in the Sacramento area. Of the three schools you’re choosing from, I would absolutely lean towards UC Davis.</p>

<p>Also, UC Davis has a respected law school (it’s in the top 40 in the nation, and is steadily improving in the rankings). As an undergraduate student, having a law school on campus is a huge opportunity and resource for you. For example, one of my political science TA’s was a law school student (who also had a degree in political science), and he would offer advice about law school during his office hours. The law school also provides information and assistance for undergrads who are likely to pursue a law degree upon graduation.</p>