So I’m a transfer, political science, opted in for the waitlist at UCSD, waiting on that. I was accepted to both UCSB and UCD, and I’m unsure which one to SIR too, if I don’t get into UCSD then I will have to choose between UC Davis and UCSB. On one hand I’m aiming for law school, and the Davis law school is ranked top 50 in the nation, it’s also in Sacramento which means better opportunities for law school, but I really dislike the campus, and in a way I want to have a fun time in college because I’ve been so focused on grades and hitting the books that I feel like Davis will encourage that rather than having a balance between a social life and grades. On the other hand, I love the UCSB campus and especially love that its on the beach, I feel like I could both focus grades and a social life, and that its on the beach is a huge thing for me, it’s why I love the UCSD campus and am hoping I get off the waitlist and get in. Also with UCSB, an experience is what I make of it, and I know that. I’m unsure though if UCSD doesn’t work out, am I giving up a huge opportunity and making a mistake choosing UCSB over UC Davis?
Any advice, devil’s advocate, pros and cons weighing would be appreciated.
You already made the decision for yourself.
Unless you want to work for the California government straight away, there’s no benefit in going to UCD over UCSB. There’s law internships and all of that everywhere. Plus, I don’t think there’s much of a boost to get into UCD law going there for undergrad than not.
There is no mistake in choosing UCSB over UCD. You’ve worked hard to make this decision. A UC is a UC.
Edit to add: plus, UCLA law is not that far from UCSB so you law school promiximity.
Going to Davis for undergrad isn’t likely to give you a better shot at going there for law school. So go to UCSB, study hard, but enjoy the beach and the lifestyle for a couple of years before going off to law school (at Davis or wherever you end up).
@OhWhatsHerName Thanks, it’s been a long ride for the both of us, good luck and congratulations to you as well! That is true.
@rocket88 I think I’m leaning towards that, thanks 
@hailey5799 UCSD is pretty great at moving the transfers on the waitlist to admitted but an article that came out that said that UCs are trying to negotiate for more state funding, and as a result, waitlisted students might not find out until August whether they’re accepted or not.
From your post, it sounds like you like UCSB more, and I feel like people do academically better in the campus that they’re happier at. UCSB is becoming more selective every year and they’re one of the top-rated schools in the country. UCSB definitely has a beautiful campus with a pretty big social life, and both colleges will give great opportunities to go to law schools. I wouldn’t necessarily focus on Davis’s law school since with a good GPA and LSAT Score, you can get into a great law school no matter where you go.
Good luck, you’ll do great wherever you go!
@thecolorblue I’m really hoping they don’t make me wait until end of July to hear back about the waitlist, because housing at UCSD will be pretty much shot of me if so, god, housing is going to be a nightmare. Yeah I’ve pretty much decided on UCSB, waiting till end of May though in case the waitlist comes back early. Thanks btw and congratulations to you, saw you on the Berkeley and UCLA threads, which one have you decided on?