I’m having a fairly hard time choosing between UCLA and UCSC. I have already SIR’d to UCSC. I actually was not all that interested in LA initially and applied just to have a breadth of schools on my list. I recently appealed due to a grade change in my record and was accepted.
After speaking to a few folks at LA, I think there’s a lot of opportunity there, being in an urban epicenter. And given my graduate school interests, I’m leaning towards UCLA for the resources, research opportunities and possible mentors. However, as someone seeking a more radical and left-leaning school, I feel that UCSC’s campus culture and environment might be a better fit.
Another thing is that I would be a feminist studies major at UCSC and African-American studies at UCLA. How difficult would it be to add a minor in gender studies at LA or even change to gender studies entirely?
Also, housing is not guaranteed for transfer students admitted off an appeal. So, is it worth it to apply anyway?
I only have a few days and would appreciate any sort of insight.
Adding a minor is easy. I cannot say what your odds are re housing but I would think you still have a good shot. If you SIR, I would contact housing right away, not just by signing up but actually talking to someone.
Assuming you have fulfilled the requirements you could switch majors fairly easily, I would say.
I’d say LA. You can always find housing options off of campus via craigslist, and the opportunities there definitely seem to be superior. I think the people in the GS major will naturally be more left leaning / progressive, so that should be a non-issue. Still, if you’d feel more at home at UCSC, that’s something to consider. It’s more a matter of where you feel you would do best. LA seems to have more of what you’re looking for regarding grad school.
Sort of unrelated, but I do know that UCSC has some very notable thinkers in their History of Consciousness Department (Angela Davis, Donna Haraway), and I’d imagine you would find their classes interesting. Maybe not, if you’re focused on Feminist Studies, but I suppose it’s something to consider.
I’m currently at UCSC and will be attending UCLA next year. I’m not familiar with the feminist studies program but like goldenclub said, we indeed have many notable thinkers/guest speakers, such as Angela Davis and the like. The campuses are VERY different so if possible, you should visit the two to have a feel for both. As for research, UCSC’s individual colleges have a lot of money reserved for undergrads doing their own research projects so opportunities are there, just maybe not as abundant or obvious as it would be in LA.
I think what it comes down to the most, is where you feel like you’ll be most fulfilled and happy
@goldencub Angela Davis is at UCSC?
Good point @lemanie, be sure and visit UCLA.
She used to be in History of Consciousness and Feminist studies departments, but now she just does a guest lecture every year.
Ah, I think the same’s with Haraway, too. Oh well.
She is Emerita. But she gave a lecture at UCLA last year.