<p>There have been some posts on this topic here, but I need more :-). I am trying to narrow down the list of schools to apply to next year, and would appreciate a more meaty discussion. Yes, I plan on visiting, but in the mean time I would appreciate info on the topics below. PLEASE BE SPECIFIC WHENEVER POISSIBLE.</p>
<p>Thanks - Da Geek</p>
<li><p>What are the top 3 things you like about ACADEMICS. I don’t not care about the social life/party scene.</p></li>
<li><p>Ditto for the top 2 things you dislike about academics.</p></li>
<li><p>How would you describe academic instruction - buttoned down/routine; focused on rote memorization; quirky/free-spirited; etc. Do instructors on average try to make it engaging, or is it a typical “lecture” thing?</p></li>
<li><p>How difficult it is to get into the classes you are interested in?</p></li>
<li><p>How would you rate the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies? I am mostly humanties-oriented, but I do like art and some of the sciences, and would not mind to get a broad taste of things.</p></li>
<li><p>When are you expected to declare a major? Do you apply to a specific college and then have to major there, or is it wide open, e.g., through sophomore year.</p></li>
<li><p>Are students generally helpful and supportive of each other, or is it dog-eat-dog? </p></li>
<li><p>Did you feel that you had adequate internship/practical experience opportunites. Please include your major when responding to this one.</p></li>
<li><p>Does the school feel like it is on the upswing or downswing? Are facilities properly maintained, particularly the library?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I know this wasnt listed as a question but its one I'm most familiar with as my brother goes to UCSB and I've heard about parties a lot.</p>
<p>PArty Scene- Theyve been cracking down on alcohol and parties in general...heavily. Most recently they passed a keg law , which requires all kegs to have a barcode and be checked out and registered. When a cop shows up to a party the keg is scanned to ID whose it is and if there are underage drinkers you get a $3000 fine. Its made parties more invite only than before, and from the fresh- junior period he's been there he now describes it as "not a party school." </p>
<ol>
<li>Dont know</li>
<li>ditto</li>
<li>ditto</li>
<li>It depends on the area of study. Some courses fill up quickly, bu my brother has never run into problems of not takinga class he needed.</li>
<li>The only thing I know about this is that its hard to double major, but you can take courses from different schools.</li>
<li>You can apply undeclared, but try to have an idea of what you want to do before college.</li>
<li>Its not a supercompetitive school so no.</li>
<li>Brother is an econ major and internship opps are there. Keep in mind though that you need a 3.2 to be eligible for one.</li>
<li>Upswing, less parties mean its easier to study. No complaints about the campus (its really nice from the times I've visited). UCSB is trying to become competitive with some of the higher UC's and is trying to dispell its past reputation.</li>
</ol>
<p>I cut out the questions I don't really have an answer for since I'm a Biochem major AND a transfer student.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How difficult it is to get into the classes you are interested in? If you make sure to sign up when registration opens it's easy.</p></li>
<li><p>Are students generally helpful and supportive of each other, or is it dog-eat-dog? One of the big reasons I picked UCSB was how friendly the student's are. Everyone is more than willing to help you in or out of class.</p></li>
<li><p>Did you feel that you had adequate internship/practical experience opportunites. Please include your major when responding to this one. For Chemistry and Biology majors, yes.</p></li>
<li><p>Does the school feel like it is on the upswing or downswing? Are facilities properly maintained, particularly the library? I'd say all the UC's are in an upswing, even with the states budget problems.</p></li>
</ol>