UCSB vs UW vs Santa Clara

Applying to College
1

<p>Even though I'm still waiting on some schools, I think these are the three I want to go to the most (even if I'm accepted to other schools). </p>

<p>I've visited Santa Clara and UW - both during breaks - so I wasn't able to see that many students around, try the food or go inside the dorms. </p>

<p>Location wise, they are about the same to me. SB is closest to home and it would mean I could go home more often. I don't mind rain so Seattle isn't too bad. </p>

<p>Money isn't a huge factor but going to SB will be nice because of how much I'll be able to save (In state). Although my parents are planning to buy a condo if I choose UW so I'll be paying In State for three years if I decide to go there. </p>

<p>I'm sorta leaning towards Santa Clara but a couple of things I don't like about it is that I've heard it's sorta just like a prep school (cliquey, rich white kids etc) and that there aren't that many parties that don't get broken up. I don't plan on rushing so sororities is not a big deal for me. I don't need to be partying 24/7 but I want to sorta experience 'college life', you know? I'm sorta nervous about the cliquey thing because I've been going to high school with these people for 11 or so years and I only have 2 or 3 really close friends...being at a big school would mean more people = more opportunities to meet people you click with. </p>

<p>As of now, I think I'll be doing psychology and I'm not sure which school has the best program. I don't know if I want a big school because i'm used to personalized attention (my high school has roughly 1000 kids). And I feel like Santa Clara isn't as well known compared to UW or UCSB. </p>

<p>I honestly have no idea what to choose, my parents like all three schools and would be happy with any one I chose. </p>

<p>If anyone had any advice, personal stories, links etc that they would like to share it would be much appreciated! Maybe someone can talk about dorms or something I haven't mentioned?</p>

2

<p>Residency requirement for University of Washington are detailed in:</p>

<p>[UW</a> Residency - Understanding Washington State Residency](<a href=“Residency for Tuition Purposes - Office of the University Registrar”>Residency for Tuition Purposes - Office of the University Registrar)</p>

<p>It is hard to see how buying a condo would somehow qualify you for instate tuition 1 year after purchase. The residency requirements cover that scenario quite clearly, and since you would be in Washington State primarily for educational purposes you most likely would be viewed as a non-resident for the duration of your undergraduate education. You could take a year off before you start, and live and work in Washington State … but that doesn’t sound like your plan.</p>

<p>Of your three choices University of Washington is the most recognized, and (by some measures) the best rated.</p>

3

<p>I haven’t really researched it in depth but my parents told me something along those lines. Even if we have to pay 4 years oos tuition, they would be okay with it if I wanted to go there (it would still be cheaper than Santa Clara I believe).</p>

<p>Thanks for your input but I’ve actually read that UCSB is ranked a bit higher than UW…can anyone else confirm/deny that?</p>