So I really like UCSB because I want to study Marine Biology and they have a great program, plus the idea of being so close to the beach is amazing. I like a lot of things about the school but am worried about the party school reputation. Is it not academically serious? I certainly like being involved in social life and would even consider myself someone who likes to party, but not as intensely or frequently as I hear happens at UCSB. I also worry that the reputation is too stained by the “party school” label.
Can you party at UCSB- most certainly, and that’s been true since the 80s. That said, there are serious students and you can make the choice or not, to be in the scene.
I saw in your other post that you are from NY. So here’s my suggestion: go to an NY state school where you’ll get the same large classes, lack of advising, etc. that UCSB or any CA public will provide. With the $25K your folks save on OOS tuition have them send you on a fantastic summer break vacation to any beach you want, and they’ll still be $20K ahead per year.
Although as a supporter of the UC system I do have to encourage you to come West; we welcome you and your $100K gift to UC!!
I agree with @mikemac that spending over $200K for an undergraduate degree that will require Grad school for any decent job prospects is a waste. Stay in-state, do your undergrad and then consider UCSB for grad school. We welcome your money if you feel you need to be here but there are far better ways to spend your parents hard earned money than on California beaches and parties. To be truly honest, anyone can find a party at any school if they try hard enough.
Yes, there is a lot of partying, but people won’t think less of you for not partying all the time.
US News rated UCSB the 8th best public university in the country in its annual college rankings. Its ranked 3rd among the UC’s, right behind UCLA. UCSB has numerous programs that are highly ranked as well as 6 Nobel Laureates. So yes, it’s an academically serious school.
Someone on these forums once said UCSB’s party reputation is an outdated remnant from the 60’s. Whether or not that’s true, it is a fact that every school has parties. UCSB’s party scene is more publicly visible because it’s highly concentrated in Isla Vista.
If you’re looking for a party, you’ll easily be able to find one. If you’re not that type of person or you’re not feeling it, there’s plenty of other things to do (and lots of people to do them with).
UC San Diego is ranked 3rd among the UCs
@TNE2011 Sorry if I wasn’t clear; I was citing U.S. News’ National Universities Rankings, in which UCSB is ranked #37. UCSD is ranked #39, tied with UCI. Honestly, rankings don’t mean too much.