UCSB or UCD as a transfer?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

I am looking at transferring to UCSB or UCD, but don’t know which school I’d do best at (i.e. which school I’d be happiest at). For me, my happiness is my priority and so I do not really care about the minimal differences in the schools perceived rigor or prestige or anything like that.

What interests me about Davis: I grew up in NorCal and so Davis feels very home-like and comfortable for me. I love how green the campus is (in terms of scenery and being ecologically friendly) and love the town of Davis. I’ve visited several times and have found everyone to be super friendly and supportive. I like how close it is to Sacramento and the Sierras (relative to how close my hometown is from the Sierras). I love the Farmers Market and that there’s plenty of good food in the area. My sister went here and loved it, and so I am already fairly familiar with the school/town.

What interests me about SB: Santa Barbara has always seemed like a very positive and fun place to go to college. When I visited a friend there, I loved the energy of everyone I met and was excited by how engaged students were with social and political issues. I like how close it is to the beach and mountains and it could be nice to push my comfort zone a little and discover a different part of California. I am not very familiar with SB, but have only heard lovely things.

Some more information about me. I initially attended UCLA out of high school but became extremely anxious and depressed while there. I ended up transferring to a community college and am now ready to move onward. I don’t think I’m interested in Greek life right now, but like to keep a healthy social life. I love hiking and the outdoors and want to get into rock climbing, something that both campuses offer. It can be a little challenging for me to meet people, but once I’m comfortable around people I open up. I like making art in my free time and being outside. Major wise, I am interested in gender studies and/ environmental science/policy.

Thoughts on either of the schools? I’m particularly interested in knowing what it’s like to be a transfer student at SB or Davis. I appreciate all input, thank you!!

2

I think you are putting the cart before the horse. You need to get into both schools before having to make this decision which are not easy acceptances unless you TAG to either one. So apply to both, visit both schools on admitted students day or before, see if you can sit in some classes, talk to some transfer students and then make the decision.

3

I can see how it may seem that way…I am trying to plan ahead because it changes which courses I take this spring. Though I’ve previously been admitted to both, the circumstances are somewhat different (although I would argue I’m still a competitive candidate). I know I am getting a bit ahead of myself. I’m just trying to form a clearer idea of which direction I hope to steer the horse in, with the understanding that the path I am heading toward is not guaranteed.

4

What is your major?

5

These are two very similar UC campuses since the college is a major player in the community and all the students tend to live on or near campus. I think you can’t go wrong with either choice, it’s just which setting you prefer.