I’m trying to decide between Virginia Tech and UCSB right now and so I’m listing my pros and cons. Does anyone know what the strongest majors of UCSB are? My dad thinks it’s only worth it to go there (I’m OOS student) if I choose one of the majors they are known for.
The sciences, hands down. Especially biology, and drilled down further especially marine biology.
The engineering school is very strong, but if you weren’t accepted into it already transferring won’t really work. Their economics and accounting program is also very strong with a good average starting salary. I also agree with the above poster that their sciences, in general, are very strong.
An exceptionally strong program in physics
Strong in Chem/Biochem/ChemE.
Did you apply to CCS? https://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/how-to-apply Outstanding program.
PS. As mentioned, if you’re coming in undeclared, it will be difficult/impossible to get into engineering. It has a much lower admit rate than the rest of the school.
If quality of education was a significant factor, then for the money it costs to go to UCSB ($60K+) you would have looked at private U’s or LACs.
UCSB, like any public, is going to have large classes and a lack of personal attention/advising. How it turns out is what you make of it, and whether this kind of environment works for you. The only exception to the run-of-the-mill public college education is the College of Creative Studies, truly unique in the US; but it has a handful of majors and is geared towards kids that already know they want a PhD.
OOS kids are drawn to UCSB because its in CA, and on the beach to boot! As a CA resident I encourage you and your $100K+ donation to the UC general fund to come out west. Pick a few majors you are interested in, tell dad “UCSB is known for these”, and you’re set.
Frankly it’s not worth it to pay $60k per year for most/all of the UCs.
Is your family very affluent and won’t miss the $250k to go to an OOS public??
What is your major and career goal? If premed, definitely do NOT go to a UC as an OOS student.
I applied undecided. Money is a huge factor in my decision and I’m unsure whether I should stay in state or go to UCSB since it’s the best school I got into.
I’m thinking of majoring in something humanities related. Are they strong in that?
^^^ the very best!!!