UCI vs UCSB vs UCD for poli sci

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
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<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. Since this is SB's forum, how would you rate the poli sci program there?</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. 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>

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<p>You think UCI has a better reputation because you are from that area. Maintain good discipline and keep education as your top priority over anything else and you will have the best time in UCSB. You will get a good education and have great college memories. </p>

<p>Avoid living on Del Playa(or anywhere within a 7 block radius) if you want to avoid extreme partying and you will be fine. There are a good number of kids who don’t party in UCSB, and there are many who party very little so don’t worry about all that too much. </p>

<p>UCSB is a beautiful place to study. Take advantage of the beach, its a great tool for relaxation after a hard test or a long paper.</p>

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<p>I don’t know anything about our poli sci department, but it’s a pretty popular major over here. We also have a reputation for being a more politically active campus, probably moreso than UCD or UCI, but I’m not sure if that’s related. If your thinking about department prestige, I really doubt you can go wrong with any of these schools.</p>

<p>Generally speaking, rankings and reputation-wise, UCSB is no worse than UCD or UCI (I’d argue that it’s actually better…but I won’t get into that) and I’m not sure where you got the figure that ranks UCI as ahead of UCD and UCSB? In fact, the most recent US News & World Report, the most commonly cited rankings, lists quite the opposite, with UCSB and UCD as tied, both of them higher than UCI.</p>

<p>Socially, UCSB is very diverse. Yes, it is a party school. No, it is not solely a party school. I’ve been able to associate with a fairly large group of people who don’t party at all and, get this: we’re not even losers and we have great times. There are very, very many people who are serious about their academics. I’m finding it difficult to find decent spots in the library these days. And, anyway, even those who party are serious, or at least smart enough, to maintain decent grades (which takes work). You have to, after all. It’s a UC.</p>

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<p>I believe UCI is ranked higher for pol sci. Either way, its pol sci(you’re not going anywhere with this BA unless you want to be a secretary). No worries, I’m a pol sci major too and planning to teach with it =P UCSB’s library is packed, yes and we have a 24 hour lounge where people don’t even go back and shower during midterm/final’s week. People are serious about academics here and if they’re not they’ll be going home the first few quarters. If you avoid IV, you avoid the parties. I used to party and drink during my sr year of high school and partied at davis with my friends since I live in sacramento. I came to UCSB and concentrated on school and never have been bothered by drunks or partying yet. I’ve got a 3.67 GPA atm if you’re interested. Don’t worry about the parties. As for pol sci, my professors have been amazing lecturers but they do expect much from students. Good luck on your decision, you cannot lose with any of the three!</p>

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<p>I was a Poli Sci major/History minor at UCSB from 2005-2008. A few notes:</p>

<p>1) My choices (I was a transfer) were UC Davis and UCSB. When I was transferring, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and reluctantly switched to taking Poli Sci/Economics classes my second year after doing poorly in computer sciences classes my first year.</p>

<p>2) I chose UCSB mostly because I wanted a new experience and to gain some independence (I’m from the Bay Area). My first few quarters were a struggle but I eventually adapted and ended up loving UCSB a whole lot! (As you can see by some of the posts I’ve made here).</p>

<p>3) I did take part in the party school lifestyle in Isla Vista. I came from a top academic high school where no one did anything like that, so it was a new experience for me. Overall, I probably should have studied more, as my final GPA did not make me a highly competitive applicant for law school or grad school. I decided to go straight into the workforce after school.</p>

<p>4) I did a number of internships (local legislator’s office during a summer quarter, and non-profit during a winter quarter where I took time off school) during my time at school.</p>

<p>5) I thought the department was excellent, particularly the Congress class (PS 155 I think?) Living in Sacramento now, Davis probably has the best opportunities for internships locally, but all schools will have opportunities locally or farther away.</p>

<p>6) I worked for a local campaign race after graduating, then worked on a gubernatorial campaign, and now I work as policy analyst for a government agency and make a good salary. For grads with just a BA, be prepared to start off interning/making very little money until you gain experience. I always worked really hard at my jobs (much harder than school) and managed to impress my supervisors (in some cases they were top 5 law school grads…) I got out of partisan politics because I didn’t like the atmosphere of hatred… </p>

<p>Let me know if you guys have any other questions.</p>