UCSB or UCSC

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

<p>I don't really know if this is the place to ask this, but here it goes:</p>

<p>I have been accepted to UC Santa Barbara today and UC Santa Cruz a few weeks ago, both for the Computer Science major, and this is pretty decent in both colleges. I am also planning on either minoring or double majoring in Film+Digital Media also.
Santa Cruz has a good department for Film+Digital Media, and was my first choice, until I got into UCSB.
Santa Barbara also has a pretty good department, but it's Film+Media, rather than Digital Media. I think I'll like Digital Media more, but am considering this also, since I've been hearing that UCSB is a better overall college than UCSC.
Also, distance is another factor. UCSC is way too close to my house for me (around an hour) whereas UCSB is around 5 hours away. I don't want to be just an hour away from home, and so distance-wise, I like Santa Barbara better.
So, what do you guys think I should do? Santa Cruz with the major that applies to what I like a bit more, but very close to home. Or Santa Barbara which is farther away but maybe not the exact major I wanted.</p>

<p>Also, any info on the colleges in general would be helpful. Like which has a better name, and stuff like that.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Santa Barbara is more of a beachy/surfy cool vibe/crazy, wild party vibe</p>

<p>Santa Cruz - more of a tree huggy/laid back and smoke with a few friednds on the weekend vibes</p>

<p>I would choose SB though because I know I would have a MUCH better social life, but that’s just me!</p>

3

<p>Santa Cruz is super laid back. It’s got a really nice feel to it. The campus is practically in a forest. It’s a short drive to the beach and to downtown. I like the downtown area.</p>

<p>Santa Barbara is also nice, and it’s more of a party school. The beach is right next to the campus. </p>

<p>Santa Barbara probably slightly better weather. I think Santa Cruz is a little colder overall and gets a little bit more rain. Sounds like you liver fairly close, so you probably know what the weather is like in SC.</p>

<p>As for academics, Santa Barbara has the edge overall. It could depend on the specific programs though.</p>

<p>I would visit both and see what you think. They both have a good feel to them, but they are different.</p>

4

<p>It seems like you dig UCSC, just go with that. It’s more laid back than SB, and one hour isn’t that close. But hey, if you like crazy parties, UCSB all the way!</p>

5

<p>Did you go visit both the departments from both the schools and talk to the professors? Visit the campuses, and get the feel for both of them. Don’t make a decision like this from what some people say on a forum. </p>

<p>Trust me, a detailed campus visit to both schools will trump any opinions on these forums.</p>

6

<p>I agree, you HAVE to visit both schools. Then you can really get a feel for the school and see where you think you “fit” best. :slight_smile: You can also talk to professors or hear seminars at the schools’ Admit Day.</p>

<p>I don’t really know about the Film & Media studies here, but just because the title of the department doesn’t include digital media, doesn’t mean that they don’t study it. It says this on their website:
“The research of our distinguished faculty has helped to define the fields of film studies, television studies, and cultural studies, and is at the forefront of new work on <b>digital media</b>.”</p>

<p>Also check out their FAQ:
[Undergraduate</a> Program FAQ’s](<a href=“http://www.filmandmedia.ucsb.edu/program/undergraduate/faqs.html]Undergraduate”>http://www.filmandmedia.ucsb.edu/program/undergraduate/faqs.html)</p>

<p>Also realize that a LOT of people end up changing their major. You might think that won’t happen to you, but you never know what you find out about yourself once you start taking different courses. And since Film & Media studies is going to be your second major or minor, I personally think it is better to base it on the school you are going to. Academically wise, UCSB is ranked higher than UCSC (from US News Rankings, UCSB is #42 and UCSC is #71), but you also have to take the environment, location, and other factors as well. Remember that a lot of your education will be in GEs as well.</p>

<p>There are a lot of things to do in SB other than partying, too! Every year there’s the Santa Barbara Film Festival (my friend and I got to sit behind Maggie Gyllenhaal), the gorgeous downtown area, the BEACH!, yummy food in IV, concerts in the Hub (I recently saw Priscilla Ahn and Ingrid Michaelson), concerts in the SB area, etc. Bone Thugs N Harmony just came to IV, too, haha. The Associated Student board is good at bringing music acts from different genres.</p>

<p>Also, if you think you won’t like being 5 hours away, you probably want to trust you gut. VISIT the schools and make your decision!</p>