<p>So any feedback here would be much appreciated haha. I got into both schools recently, davis for civil engineering and sb for mechanical engineering, and I'm have a ton of trouble deciding. I live in sacramento and I've always wanted to leave, so sb really attracts me for that reason. On the other hand, my mom and a few others have told me davis is better in engineering and the programs themselves are just better in general.
Basically I want a good balance between academics and a social scene, and I think I could find that at both schools since im a pretty social person (who doesnt mind a good party hehe). So can anybody offer so insights in this aspect? I've done my research, and honestly it seems that both schools and programs are great. I won't have time to visit UCSB over spring break, but Davis I can pretty much check out anytime, so if i choose sb i would be sending in the sir without really checking out the school...kinda worries me but I don't think there's any way I wouldn't like it haha.
If anybody who answers is an engineer, would you mind telling me how it's like at sb?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Engineering:
Actually, SB’s engineering program is far superior than that of Davis’s. Yes, according to U.S. News and World Report, Davis is ranked overall higher - but by only one rank within the UC system.</p>
<p>Regarding the specifics between engineering ranking: [Academic</a> Ranking of World Universities in Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences - 2011| 2011 Top 100 Universities in Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences |ARWU-FIELD 2011](<a href=“http://www.shanghairanking.com/FieldENG2011.html]Academic”>http://www.shanghairanking.com/FieldENG2011.html)</p>
<p>UCSB is ranked 15th, while Davis is ranked 40th.</p>
<p>The finding that UCSB’s engineering program is ranked higher than that of Davis’s is seen in a good majority of ranking systems. Davis’s forte is generally in the biological sciences and agriculture, while UCSB is constantly lauded for its engineering.</p>
<p>I have the same predicament as you as well, whatup. I have to choose between UCD and UCSB. I’m leaning a load toward UCSB now because of their strong engineering program, despite not having visited the campus. I’m going to Decision Day on April 6th at UCD, just in case I have some random epiphany, but I doubt it’ll happen.</p>
<p>The Party Scene:
Don’t worry about the party scene there. It’s abundant, that’s for sure. And when you don’t look for a party, you generally won’t find it. Parties aren’t shoved down your throat, allowing for time to study. The general mantra there is “Study hard, party hard.” You’ll always find a good time, and good people to hang out with.</p>
<p>Here’s how I see it:</p>
<p>Davis has the upper hand in terms of civil and agricultural engineering while UCSB is more qualified for most everything else. Davis does have the largest engineering program amongst the UC’s, but not the best. UCSB is 4th in Materials, 9th in Chemical, and 17th in Electrical/Computer with many of the other majors close behind. Not to mention, Davis’s campus and social vibe is not nearly as fun as UCSB’s. The major thing that led me to UCSB other than its academics was that these are the four years(or more) of your life that you will always think back on. Choose the school that will not only give you a great academic experience, but one that you feel is fit for you. If you like the farm land and open nature sort of area, Davis might be better. If you like the beaches and parties and whatnot, choose UCSB:)</p>
<p>UCSB has a baller shotcaller engineering program. All of our engineering programs are ranked very highly by the NRC (national research council, look it up [United</a> States National Research Council - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Research_Council]United”>National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - Wikipedia))</p>
<p>Article here</p>
<p>[National</a> Research Council Has High Marks for UCSB Engineering The Santa Barbara Independent](<a href=“http://www.independent.com/news/2010/sep/29/national-research-council-has-high-marks-ucsb-engi/]National”>National Research Council Has High Marks for UCSB Engineering - The Santa Barbara Independent)</p>
<p>Hardproof evidence here</p>
<p>For Chemical Engineering, we are 3rd in the country in terms of research (wooo)</p>
<p>[Ranking</a> of Chemical Engineering Graduate Schools — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide](<a href=“http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/chemical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U]Ranking”>http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/chemical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U)</p>
<p>For Electrical and Computer Engineering we are 5th</p>
<p>[Ranking</a> of Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Schools — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide](<a href=“http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/electrical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U]Ranking”>http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/electrical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U)</p>
<p>For Mechanical Engineering we are 8th</p>
<p>[Ranking</a> of Mechanical Engineering Graduate Schools — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide](<a href=“http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/mechanical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U]Ranking”>http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/mechanical-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U)</p>
<p>For Computer science we are 6th</p>
<p>[Ranking</a> of Computer Sciences Graduate Schools — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide](<a href=“http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/computer-science/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U]Ranking”>http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/computer-science/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U)</p>
<p>Last but not least, for Material Science (ugrads can’t major in it but it is our STRONGEST department) we are 1st</p>
<p>[Ranking</a> of Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Schools — PhDs.org Graduate School Guide](<a href=“http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/materials-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U]Ranking”>http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/materials-engineering/rank/__M_____________________________________________________________U)</p>
<p>As you can see, UCSB is very high up there in engineering compared to other colleges. Seriously our engineering program is no joke, and sadly it tends to get overlooked.</p>
<p>Also just recently the Leiden Rankings ranked us 7th in the world in terms of science and technology research, pretty nifty.</p>
<p>[Leiden</a> Ranking - Leiden Ranking 2011/2012](<a href=“http://www.leidenranking.com/ranking.aspx]Leiden”>http://www.leidenranking.com/ranking.aspx)</p>
<p>Does that persuade you?!?!</p>
<p>I’m going to stake a contrary position and say the programs are equally good as far as an undergrad student is concerned. What you study in engineering is set up by the ABET standards so you’ll study the same subjects in engineering at any acredited program in the country; and since these 2 schools are UCs you’ll even have the exact same course numbers for requirements!</p>
<p>Strength of the department shouldn’t be your biggest concern; getting a degree should be. About 1/2 to 2/3rds of those entering college as engineering majors fail to finish. So instead of worrying over what an extra bit of prestige (which is for the graduate programs, anyway, not undergrad) may do you should focus on picking the campus where you feel more capable of suceeding. </p>
<p>If I was you I’d find time sometime in the next month to visit UCSB; missing a day of classes to figure out whether the college you’re thinking about spending 4 years at is a fit seems a worthy sacrifice.</p>
<p>Is it a good idea to take the 5 year BS/MS program for Material Science at ucsb?</p>
<p>^ I know a couple of my 4th year friends in EE and ChemE are doing the 5 year program. If you’re looking for grad school, the materials program can be back up that’s for sure. My EE friend told me if you get above a 3.0 and send in the documents on time, you should be solid. Sounds good to me</p>
<p>Hey everyone, I am in the same predicament here.</p>
<p>I’m in Electrical Engineering at both schools, I’m a regent’s scholar at both schools, and I’ve been to each. Being a SLO county native, I’m already in an area where the feel of each campus is represented around where I currently live.</p>
<p>I’m pretty but not 100% committed to my major. Anyone have stats on transferring(obviously, taking courses in other majors is no problem with priority registration)?
Additionally, I like the Miller hall facility at Davis, and Santa Barbara’s program is a little more spread (between scholar halls). Anyone have experience with this?</p>
<p>Thanks, and good luck to everyone else deciding!</p>
<p>Personally, Santa Barbara is very pretty, and the tour guide did a good job of addressing the “Party School” stereotype - shout out. It’s available when you want it.</p>