UCSB vs UCLA vs UCD vs Calpoly SLO (mathematics major, any advice greatly appreciated)

State Forums
1

Hey guys,

I’m having a tough time deciding while taking into account campus atmosphere and student life.

I want to major in mathematics with the goal of either teaching high school or college; although, I feel I could change math pathways in the future.

I know if I take into account my major solely, UCLA is the obvious choice with their prestige and diversity of classes. I would also major in Mathematics for Education there.

But I visited Bruins day and wasn’t completely sold. I felt estranged there and didn’t like the campus or LA area all that much. However, I didn’t visit on a regular day so that might factor in for the different feel.

I loved the feel of UCSB and Calpoly‘s campus with the greenery and ocean and I haven’t visited Davis or Irvine yet.

I’ve applied for UCSB’s CCS (college of creative studies) for math, but didn’t get in. Although, I could reapply each quarter. It is definitely a big plus about UCSB for me.

Calpoly’s small class size and open relationship with professors definitely appeals to me as well. But will going to Calpoly put me at disadvantage if I decide to apply to graduate school?

And I don’t know much about Davis’ math program.

Any advice or info would be much appreciated! Thank you!!

2

CPSLO does not seem to have many students going on to PhD study, except in physics.

So if teaching college is the goal, a UC may be preferable.

But any should be fine for going on to getting a teaching credential for teaching high school.

You can check class sizes on the web schedules of each school. Upper level math courses are often small.

3

I think a big factor to consider is what each campus has to offer you for your future career.

For example … UCLA is highly prestigious and a degree from there is basically a set career path but if you didn’t dig it there then you might have a comfortable college experience there.