<p>Okay right now these are my 2 favorite schools. I am instate for UCSB, but with the generous scholarships and financial aid at UM I believe they may end up costing around the same.</p>
<p>So can you please give me a list of pros/cons of both schools.</p>
<p>ucsb is ranked higher, your instate so it is cheaper, plus its on the beach. seems like a no brainer to me unless there is something specific you like about u of miami. but ucsb seems like the clear choice!</p>
<p>UCSB is ranked higher (not that that means anything) and is literally on the beach. However, it is about the twice the size of UM and is notorious for mazes of red-tape and little to no personal attention, even when you've got a problem like you can't get the classes you need to graduate. Plus, since you're already from California, it might be boring or disappointing to be going to school so close to where you grew up.</p>
<p>UM is smaller and it is in more of a cityish urban location, though it still has easy beach access. Going to UM would mean you'd have classmates from all around America, not just from California like 99% of the student body at UCSB. You'd get to expand your horizons by learning about living in a totally new place. UM also top-notch sports teams and a lot more school spirit and pride.</p>
<p>Having actually taught at UM, it's diverse, but not as diverse as you think. There is a very large latino population (as expected) and I would say the majority of the students are Florida/South Florida residents.</p>
<p>Personal preference would take me to UCSB in a second. Better resources and wider diversity of departments and courses than UM. I don't think there is much difference in the quality of the students. </p>
<p>Oh, and having grown up in California, Miami is a different universe altogether. I liked it, but that's just me...make your decision carefully. Most of the Californian's I met there either loved it, or absolutely hated it.</p>
<p>Cheers,
CUgrad</p>
<p>What did you end up deciding and why?? im debating between these two as well</p>