<p>So I'm currently applying to the UCs but am having a difficult time deciding where to apply. On my list so far are UC Irvine, SB, Berkeley, and I can apply to one more for free so I'm stuck between LA and SC.</p>
<p>Reasons I'd rather apply to SC:
1) Many people I've met have said that UCLA has an arrogant/snobby vibe and regret going there.
2) They say UCLA is too grad-school focused and classes are impersonal.
3) Better chance of getting into SC.
4) It's practically in a forest, and I'm a huge nature-lover. (I don't like urban environments)
5) I have a chance to be a ''big fish in a small pond'' which may open up research/internship opportunities.
6) I've read the student body is very quirky and friendly.
7) I've heard it has the feel of a liberal arts college.
8) It has 10 different ''colleges'' that will make a big school feel small and give an overall better experience imo.
9) It seems like a school I'd be really happy at except for the reasons below:</p>
<p>Reasons I'd rather apply to LA:
1) I hate to say it, but prestige. UCLA will look better when applying to grad schools.
2) SC has the reputation of being a ''weed/party school,'' which I don't partake in.</p>
<p>Which do you think I should apply to? Can someone add some input about the school/ disprove/confirm some of qualms about grad school placement and drug usage?</p>
<p>I forgot to add that I plan to major in math.</p>
<p>Both schools are really competitive. Be sure you’ve got a couple of ‘safety’ schools.</p>
<p>See where you get in, then evaluate your options.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>1.) UCLA is world class in Math (rated in the top dozen universities in the world) and will be a good place to get recommendations for graduate school,
2.) Your world consists of the dozens or hundreds of people you interact with, not an entire campus.
3.) UCSD has colleges, feels a bit woodsy and ocean-y, and has good math- maybe an alternative to Santa Cruz?
4.) Some options at SB seem ridiculously cool and liberal-artsy also.</p>
<p>If you like Santa Cruz, go to Santa Cruz. The top California students and professors- for example Terrence Tao and Stanley Osher- in Math will not be there (big fish/little pond theory). When you apply to grad schools, will this matter?</p>
<p>If you dont like urban areas but you like nature, then santa cruz is your number one. So, if YOU want a better experience then go to SC, if you want a better “investment” then UCLA is the one.</p>
<p>Forgot to add, I live near Westwood and the people are not snobby, theyre actually really friendly and cool, and there is lots to do in the area. </p>
If you want to go to SC, go! I chose UCSC over U Chicago, UCI, and Chapman (with a full ride!) to name a few. I haven’t regretted it once