UCSB vs UMiami

<p>So far I've gotten into UMiami and I'm growing really fond of it. Before the acceptance, my eyes were set on UCSB but after looking into Miami, I'm torn at this point. Money is not an issue at either school. I'm from Georgia and I'm looking for something completely new which may be easier to find in California but Miami is supposed to be its own world when it comes to diversity and such. Also, if I go to Miami I'll be in RASMAS majoring in Marine Science/Microbiology and if I go to UCSB, it'll be Microbiology with a concentration in genetic engineering and I might pick up a double major in Aquatic Biology(depending on workload/gpa). My undergrad is mostly for interest and qualifying for the Patent Bar Exam because I'd like to go to Law school and work as a biotech patent lawyer. However, I'm really interested in the above subjects so I will definitely be looking for research opportunities!</p>

<p>I love both campuses, I'm really social but I know how to buckle down for academics. I will definitely be getting into intramural or club soccer at either place.</p>

<p>One huge draw for UCSB I keep hearing is the CLAS tutoring system and how helpful it really is in comparison to other schools' tutoring systems. Whereas for Miami the ACC spirit is really desirable </p>

<p>I don't know what else to weigh about their generalities so I was hoping I could get specifics for each school to help me decide.</p>

<p>Thanks!
PS: this is all assuming I manage to be accepted into UCSB haha</p>

<p>Sounds like you’ve done your homework. Since you’re so social, you would need to watch yourself at UCSB. The party scene is pretty intense (and is the downfall of some students), though there certainly are students who abstain and/or are more moderate in their consumption. The academics are generally very good. I don’t recommend living in Isla Vista because of the intense party scene there.</p>

<p>Look, nobody is going to strong-arm you into attending parties or drinking. UCSB has plenty of serious students, as well as some that think they are on a 4-year vacation. I emphatically do recommend living in Isla Vista after your frosh year in the dorms because thats where all the other students are going to be living. One of the draws of UCSB, compared to most other UC schools, is that it has a truly residential feel. Your friends are going to be living a walk or quick bike ride from you. I can’t imagine any reason to intentionally isolate yourself from them.</p>

<p>It’s all about the U. I was on campus last night, attending a basketball game. Son is an undergraduate student. We love everything about the school. Academics, social life, internship opportunities, weather. The vibe when you walk around campus is relaxed, happy yet focused. Everyone is wearing clothing or carrying backpack with UM logo. Don’t know anything about UCSB. But triple love The U.</p>

<p>Trust me, I really won’t have a problem maintaining the social pressures at each school haha I kinda wanna hear about the unique aspects and opportunities at each school/location to help me make a decision :)</p>

<p>University of Miami highly recommended for your major…its what you would imagine florida to be like palm trees, warm weather, beach although Santa Barbara is also a beach…</p>

<p>Just to add : average SAT at SB 1800 average SAT at Miami 1960
UCSB does have more prestige than University of Miami…
Keep in mind its extremely hard to get into UCSB as out of state</p>

<p>XtremePower:</p>

<p>What do you base your position that UCSB has more prestige than UM? The statistics of the incoming class? Acceptance rates? Student/faculty ratio? Size of endowment?</p>

<p>Don’t get me wrong - UCSB is a great school, and for California students it is a great option. It is also VERY competative for out-of-state applicants. However, if you are from the East Coast, I don’t think that the average person would view UCSB as having more prestige than Miami…</p>

<p>(are you still thinking about UM as “Suntan U”?)</p>

<p>I wouldn’t say UCSB is more prestigious than UM…</p>

<p>Prestige-wise, they seem pretty equal, so can we discuss other aspects of the school? :slight_smile: haha also outta curiosity, do either have a notably influential alumni base in regards to my field of interest?</p>