UCSB a party school?

College Search & Selection
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<p>As I was looking through online about what UCSB is like many have said it is a party school where academics don't matter much. However, rankings of its physics department (my intended major) have shown this:
Search</a> - Physics - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report</p>

<p>Ranking</a> of Physics Graduate Programs — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide</p>

<p>University/College</a> Programs/Courses in Physics</p>

<p>U.S</a>. News: Best Graduate Physics Programs (2008) : The Consus Group Rankings</p>

<p>Physics</a> Program Rankings</p>

<p>So basically I want to know that when people say that academics takes second priority is that just because the people choose to, or does the partying really degrade education for everyone?</p>

<p>EDIT: In case you don't want to look at the rankings, UCSB is usually ranked around 10th. Which is higher then the other school I am comparing it to (Univeristy of Washington).</p>

<p>Also, I am applying as an undergrad, but Graduate rankings still seem important in case I want to do undergraduate research and associate with the graduates in general.</p>

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<p>UCSB is a party school. my friend goes there and says the parties r crazy…basically, ppl that dont even go there know its a party school…lol…u should search forums comparng UCSB to other schools…i know UCSB isnt good for sciences…</p>

3

<p>As a high school student in the UCSB area, we here some crazy stories about parties and such. Most of my friends who went to UCSB are doing alright there, but they’re DEFINITELY partying and it’s DEFINITELY taking away from their educations.
Then again, I don’t know any physics majors.</p>

<p>In short, UCSB is a party school only if you make it one. If you go there and choose to study instead of going to Isla Vista every night, you’re getting a great education with a public school price tag (in state).</p>

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<p>The Che: How can it not be known for sciences when its ranking is so high</p>

5

<p>Che, I’ve never heard of UCSB not being good for sciences. Where did you hear this?</p>

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<p>So basically I want to know that when people say that academics takes second priority is that just because the people choose to, or does the partying really degrade education for everyone?</p>

<p>It’s most because people ignorant of the school. You can even see in this thread, most people are saying “I heard from a friend…”. As someone who actually went to the school, the partying “DEFINITELY” didn’t take away from my education. In fact, I think the partying results in a population of students who are generally very happy and as a result do well in classes. You won’t find many people who are miserable with the campus life here (as some of my friends at UCD and UCSD mentioned, and whose grades suffered as a result).</p>

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<p>A school’s graduate programs generally have little to do with the undergrad program. UC’s are an excellent example of this. Dominant culture on a campus effects every student. If you’re looking for a serious learning environment, pay attention to reputation.</p>

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<p>My step sister and many of my friends go there. THEY ARE ALWAYS PARTYING. But, my sister has always been able to manage it. Some of my friends can’t. It’s what you make of it there. There is always going to be a group that doesn’t party there. Plus, most of the parties are in Isla Vista not literally at UCSB.</p>

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<p>This is correct. Isla Vista is a huge party scene. Some students I know there have said it makes the dorm scene quieter than at other colleges because everyone who wants to party heads out to IV to do so. </p>

<p>Since you’re interested in physics, I strongly urge you to explore the UG physics program within the College of Creative Studies at UCSB. </p>

<p>See [College</a> of Creative Studies, UC Santa Barbara](<a href=“http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/]College”>http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/) for the overview and [College</a> of Creative Studies, UC Santa Barbara - Physics - Home](<a href=“http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/physics]College”>http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/physics) </p>

<p>If you can get accepted into this highly academic program and have the maturity to focus on your education rather than the party scene, UCSB could be a terrific choice for you. With the access, as an UG, to UCSB’s graduate program in physics, you could have an amazing experience.</p>