<p>Hi, everyone
I am a transfer student and I have been admitted to both UCSB (biochemistry major) and UCI (pharmaceutical science major). I live in Daly City where is beside San Francisco. I am thinking to attend pharmacy school in the future because I would like to be a pharmacist. I have a hard time in deciding which school I should transfer. Some ppl suggest me to go to UCSB because biochemistry can get me into not only pharmaceutical science and it is easier to go to UCSB from SF. Many ppl also told me that UCSB is a party school but I am not a party person. (the first impression that I give to ppl is ususlly quiet.)Some ppl suggest me to go to UCI since it has higher ranking and there is more Asians live in Irvine. (I am Taiwanese) However, my friends told me that Irvine is a boring place. UCSB is more attractive. I have never been to these two schools and I don't think I will have time to visit these campuses before the SIR deadline. I believe the living cost in Santa Barbara is higher than Irvine. But biochemistry seems to be a harder major than the other one. Any suggestions in making the decision? what are the pros and cons for both UCSB and UCI?</p>
<p>I would suggest vising the schools more than anything else. It won’t be the only factor in your decision obviously, but it’ll be a big one.</p>
<p>Visit the campus first before you SIR. The last thing you want to do is hating the campus when you attend–because you’ll be there fore 2-years. Both schools are great for pharmacy preparation, I believe UCI pharmaceutical major was intended to prepare you more to be a scientist who help create pharmaceutical meds–but as long as you fulfill the requirements then it should be fine.</p>
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<p>Um…
well my advice to you is to not based your decision on campus looks if you have not visited the campus. Who is to say UCSB is the more attractive school? No matter how many videos you watch or pictures you see, visiting a school is a whole different thing. This happened to me. What I thought Irvine and SB looked live versus actually coming here was very different. The “vibe” and feel definitely also factor in to how you will view the physical campus.</p>
<p>Personally, I have been to both. I like Irvine’s campus better. It is chill and a quieter campus, and as a quieter person like yourself, I like that. </p>
<p>In terms of your major, I don’t have much advice as I don’t know much about that road.</p>
<p>UcI has a nice campus vibe, ppl are generally nice and easy to get along with. There are a lot of shopping places to go to like, The Spectrum. It’s about 20mins from Anaheim nd 15 from the beach. It’s location gives you that nice So. Cal weather, but with a little more breeze. For example, at UCLA it would be 75 degrees outside, but in Irvine maybe 71, so a little cooler. The campus is beautiful year round. Honestly, if I wasnt going to UCLA I would be more than happy to be at UcI. UcSB on the other hand get really cold at night being right next to the beach and it just seems to always get darker earlier over there. the cost of living in SB is going to be higher than Irvine b/c of the surrounding property nd b/c SB is secluded, which brings me to my next point, transportation. In Irvine the bus system isnt perfect, but it gets you around. a lot of ppl commute to UcI, so finding a ride shouldnt be much of a problem. On the other hand b/c SB is secluded, gas is more expensive, so you need to walk or bike most places nd from what I understand, the closest supermarket is not close at all to the school. You could take the train to SB but thats also gonna cost you. Yes, Ucsb is a party school. They dont send a whole unit of armoured police cars there on Halloween weekend for nothing…now, dont get me wrong both are top notch institutions, but from what it sounds like, UcI seems like a better fit for you. Although you wont know that till you take a visit.</p>