<p>UCSC is a rather low-tier UC, while CSU long beach is a rather high-tier Cal State. I know that CSU Long Beach has the better social life, while UCSC has the better-looking campus. So here is my question: which is better in the biological sciences department? I plan on going to dental school after college, so I'm not really worried about prestige. Any information is welcome. Thanks.</p>
<p>The social life is actually better at UCSC; Long Beach is a commuter school.</p>
<p>Personally, I'd rather go to Long Beach, only because I've been to Santa Cruz quite a few times and didn't like the atmosphere.</p>
<p>UCSC still beats it by a nice margin academically.</p>
<p>I was acceptance at CSULB and of course still waiting for UCSC. If I went to LB, I'd commute and live with my parents. If I went to UCSC I'd be away from home in the woods. Which would I pick?!? Hmmmm.</p>
<p>Going back up to Santa Cruz next weekend for a second look. Loved it the first time, but that was summer.</p>
<p>I also got accepted into CSULB today, but I'm still waiting for UCSC. How is the atmosphere at UCSC? Which school is more relaxed and laid back socially? </p>
<p>I also want to move away and live on my own (which I will have to if I attend UCSC), but people tell me that UCSC is a very liberal campus. I'm more of a conservative on most issues.</p>
<p>Would the liberal nature of the student body dissuade you from going to UCSC? If so, why? College should be partly about opening your mind to other ways of thinking and conflicting viewpoints/slants/influences contribute to that type of learning experience. Not only would you benefit from that experience but the liberal student body there would benefit from having some conservative influences as well. Well if you're just going to college to get a job after graduating then maybe you should go to CSULB.</p>
<p>Actually, I don't mind liberal-minded people (I actually enjoy debating with them). However, I am a little worried about how I might be perceived. An exact quote I heard on this forum about one of the UCSC colleges were the words "militiant vegaterians".</p>
<p>As an added note, the UCs tend to have a bit more prestige than the CSUs.</p>
<p>The amount of close-minded liberals will probably vary depending on what residential college you choose. If you don't pick the ones that have tons of "hippies" then you might not meet that many people who will hate you for your beliefs.</p>
<p>Well, Santa Cruz felt like anything you want it to be. The first thing I saw when I got there last summer were two female students kissing each other. If that sort of thing is going to upset you, it's probably not the best place for you. It felt like everyone was pretty laid back and very friendly. Lots of smiling. Not intense. Creative intellects. People who look up and out. Idealists. That was what I felt. I don't know what you mean by conservative. If you mean close minded and penny pinching, yeah, I don't think this would be the place for you. If you mean fiscally conservative, I don't see why not. The cool thing about liberals, and I'm one, is that I think except for pacifist issues (and maybe I'm just using my own definition of liberal), you would be surprised at how open minded liberals are at other points of view!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the info.</p>
<p>By the way, is UCSC much of a party school? That just might be the big tipper for me.</p>
<p>There are definitely parties, but mostly off campus. The RA's are extremely strict at Santa Cruz. A lot of the house parties get broken up pretty early.</p>
<p>you hear that at Berkeley people will go out of their way to bring you down or beat you since it's competitive, but people at UCSC will go out of their way to get you to smoke with them. haha. that's what i heard from my friend who's a fresh @ UCSC. looots of smoking & potheads.</p>