I got accepted into CSULB and UCR. I want to major in psychology to then become a neuropsychologist. I’ve been wanting to go to CSULB but then I read that they don’t have that much research experience and that will be a disadvantage if I want to go to graduate school which I do. I was thinking of going to CSULB and then going to UCR or another UC school for graduate school. Is that possible or is going to CSU school really a disadvantage?? If it is possible what can I do to make it possible for me to go to a UC for graduate school?
My parents also really really really want me to go to UCR but I myself want to go to CSULB because I feel like it fits me more and I’m just conflicted right now.
CSULB might not have as many research opportunities like UCR but do not discount they are not there. Fit is important along with academics so there are research opportunities out there if you make the effort. A Happy student is a successful student and let your parents know that you can succeed anywhere you go.
Some research done at CSULB: https://www.csulb.edu/graduate-studies-resource-center/graduate-research-opportunities
I tried telling them that but the only reason they are forcing me to go to UCR is because of the UC name. CSULB is not a bad school at all but they can’t seem to get over the fact that it’s a CSU and not a UC. Thank you for the link, I will keep that mind for trying to find research because I want to go to a UC for graduate school. I truly believe that CSULB is the right choice for me academically and in other areas. I know UCR is a good school as well but I don’t feel like I’ll be happy there. My parents also told me that they wouldn’t support me in my decision of going to CSULB which has me struggling.
Are you willing to attend UCR and if the school does not meet your needs, would they let you transfer and would this be an acceptable compromise to them?
As a parent I understand they want the best for you, but you need to make them understand that you are the one that will attending the classes and doing the work vs. them.
I’m willing to do that yes but I’m worried because will csulb accept me if I transfer from ucr? I was thinking maybe my first year in ucr and then transfer to csulb, or is it even possible if I can do one semester? See if it fits me and if it doesn’t then I can transfer.
That’s exactly what I told them also but they still don’t care. All they care about is the UC name. My dad even said if I choose csulb then I lose him and ever since we fought he’s been ignoring me. I tried to get them to see my side but nothing works.
Unfortunately Cal States like the UC’s only accept Junior level transfers (60 semester/90 quarter units) so you would be looking at 1 1/2 to 2 years at UCR. A UC to CSU transfer is definitely possible just harder to articulate courses between the UC and CSU campuses.
So if I were to transfer, I’d have to go to ucr for two years. I’m just really conflicted right now because I don’t know what to do. Is it harder to get jobs if a CSU is on ur resume? Is it easier if it’s a UC on it?
Few employers will consider where you attended for undergrad when it comes to jobs. It will be more about your job experience and what skills you can bring to your employer through internships that will make you a viable job candidate.
In general, the CSU’s were established to give local area students an academically challenging undergrad education and get these students out into the work force.
UC’s are more focused on research and preparing students for advanced and professional degrees.
The lines have blurred somewhat and you can find research and graduate programs at the CSU’s.
You also have to think in terms of the amount of students attending Cal states (23) vs. UC’s (9). Where do you think the majority of the California workforce went for Undergrad?
2019 numbers for Cal state undergrads: 481,000 approximately
2019 numbers for UC undergrads: 285,216
My older son attended a UC and younger son attended a CSU. Both are working and doing well in their respective fields.
i really feel like I’ll thrive at CSULB because I truly feel ill fit in there. I’m not saying ucr is a bad school because it isn’t at all but I just feel like it’s not the fit for me. And if I do go to ucr then I’m only going there because of my parents and to make them happy but I want myself to be happy also. I want to be able to go graduate school so I can further my psych study to become a neuropsychologist.
I understand your dilemma since paying for college will depend upon your parents cooperation and I know most kids want to please their parents.
Is there any specific courses at CSULB that are geared toward your area of interest that are not offered at UCR which could help make your case in going there instead?
I really do not know what else to tell you to help persuade your parents.
I wish you the best of luck and hope your parents come around and take your preferences into consideration when making this important decision.
I would go to UCR. Definitely for the research and especially if you are going to want to go to a UC grad school. UCR sends lots to graduate programs at other UCs and many stay and attend UCR graduate programs. Less people come out of UCs vs CSUs and a UC education is very well regarded. I don’t know how old your parents are but back in the day there was definitely a distinction between UCs and CSUs. That might be their issue. Are you looking at location, programs, clubs or something else? What makes you fit in at CSULB more?
My parents are pretty old so maybe that’s why. The location of csulb is also better and I heard that the psychology program of csulb is really good. I don’t really imagine myself at ucr and I took a couple of tours of the school before this whole quarantine thing happened and i imagined myself more at csulb. I did research more of their research programs and I found a couple that are more my way of what I wanna become in the future. Is it hard to go to a UC graduate school if I go to a CSU? I’m just trying to figure out pros and cons for both schools and see what fits me more.
@conflicted123zx
Who is paying? If it is you go to CSULB and don’t look back but if it is them I think you need to think about what they are saying. That said, I understand wanting the best fit even if you aren’t sure what you are deciding that on. I understand kids seeing one visit and going nope not my scene. I understand students not understanding the parents point of view. I understand seeing yourself there and comparing everything else to that. So, if you are set on CSULB you need to do some research and convince the parents why it is right for you. Parents want you to be happy and successful. If you present it in a professional manner they may budge. Most of the time you want what your kid wants. I would research the program, the location, the research opportunities, the students, the campus life, the number of graduates that are attending UCs and lots more. Then compare it to UCR for them to see where you belong. CSULB will be probably be fine to get into a UC graduate school provided you work hard, get involved in your department and have superior grades
My parents are paying which I’m really really grateful for. I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me and I know they want what’s best for me so I understand that but I wish they could understand my side also. I’m usually on top of all my work and I like to get everything done on time and I’ve always been like that. I know I’ll work hard because I really really want this, I love psychology especially the neuro side of it and I’m glad I’m able to have all these opportunities that are able to give me that. Thank you for ur input, I tried to get them to hear my side but maybe if I do it in a more professional way and show them that I actually researched everything then they will understand, which I’m really hoping for.
@conflicted123zx Yes, present it in a professional manner, showing your researched and answering their concerns and they may just budge Talk up CSULB’s reputation has moved up since their day, the program you like, and the other items above. Parents just want what’s best for their kids so show them CSULB is for you