<p>I was recently admitted to UCSB and UCD as an undergraduate psych major. I am having a hard time deciding where I want to go. SB has a lot of the characteristics I want in a college, but many people have been judging me for wanting to go there when I was admitted to Davis. Keep in mind that school spirit and social scene are important factors to me as I come from a dead high school that lacks all those things. I don't want my college experience to be a repeat of my high school experience, which was depressing and boring.</p>
<p>UCSB Pros:
-Strong academics; UCSB along with UW-Madison and UIUC are tied for #11 in top public schools in the country
-I know many graduates who have said wonderful things about the school; none of them regret going there
-Beautiful campus and student body
-Seems to have a lot more school spirit compare to other UCs
-Might be easier to get good grades compared to Davis or San Diego</p>
<p>UCSB Cons:
-Will always be seen as a party school
-Not really digging the surrounding communities (i.e Isla Vista)
-The school is not particularly strong for psychology, compared to to Davis
-Parents want me to go to Davis
-People will always question why I chose SB when I was admitted to Davis and SD</p>
<p>UC Davis Pros:
-Strong academics as well; Tied with UCSD for #9 in top public schools in the country
-Rather strong for psychology
-An hour away from home
-More financial aid compared to UCSB
-Respectable college</p>
<p>UCD Cons:
-Dull campus with nothing to do
-Commuter school so everybody goes home for the weekend
-A lot of people from my school are going to Davis
-No school spirit
-No social scene
-Really competitive</p>
<p>I'm leaning towards Santa Barbara because, like I said, it has a lot of the characteristics I want in a college, but Davis is stronger academically and I almost feel obligated to go because of that one reason. What should I do?</p>
<p>Honestly, in my experience those in northern Cal see Davis as you should go there, and those in southern Cal don’t see it that way. I’m biased towards SB having gone there and having family who has gone there recently, but I also really like Davis. If you think Davis is so much stronger in your major that it makes a difference to you, that should weigh with you. However, that Davis is tied one notch above where Santa Barbara is tied (since Davis and SD are tied for nine and ten) really seems pretty minimal to me. Neither you nor I know which will be above the other by the time you graduate.</p>
<p>UCD is not a commuter school where everyone goes home for the weekend, however. In fact I was surprised I liked it as much as I did when I toured with my kids, and put that down to it having a college town that reminded me quite a bit of Isla Vista, less the salt fading and the beach. I think it does have school spirit, as well, and a social life, although Santa Barbara is truly special in that sense. My sons are also choosing between the two schools, and one may end up at each. I will be happy with whatever they choose.</p>
Who are these “people”? Your HS pals that you probably will never see once you start college? They are experts in how colleged differ? Your parents who seem to think that the US News ranking measures something meaningful? It can be fun to sit around and debate the merits of college A vs college B. But when you are talking about 2 mid-ranked UCs the discussion borders on splitting hairs. The class sizes are similar. The advising system is similar. The orientation of the faculty towards grad students vs undergrads is similar. The courses are similar (thats why each UC gives full credit and counts the grade you received for classes taken at sister campuses). The reputation is similar (just look at who recruits oncampus at the 2 schools). Etc. Etc. </p>
<p>That all said, I think you are being to hard on Davis. I have never heard it was a commuter school from people I know that went there, or that it is lacking in school spirit. The settings are quite different between UCSB and Davis, but they are 2 of the residential UCs and either is a fine choice. </p>
@JorgeJJ7 It’s funny because those rankings mean absolutely nothing. I’m sorry but I’m having a difficult time accepting that UCSB is higher ranked than UCSD for obvious reasons.