<p>Hi, I was accepted into UCSC and UCR. Both of which I know are decent schools to get into. Now I have my sights set on something around the physics, astronomy, & engineering section. I haven't been able to narrow it down but I sense that I might lead a career towards either Astrophysics (for the joy of it and not the money) or Aeronautical Engineering (for the money). I was wondering which school would be best: UCR or UCSC? </p>
<p>Also I got wait listed into UC Davis and I was wondering if I get out of wait list should I just go to UCD? Does that school have better educational standards to fit my needs? I've been looking through many sites and I still have no idea which would suite me more. Please help me out!</p>
<p>Based on your name I would say UCR! haha But seriously, a couple year back UCR’s Chancellor was a former Chief Scientist at NASA (she’s now the President of Purdue) and they were apparently going to put resources into the physical sciences including Astronomy, not sure how that turned out, but you might want to look at the department website.</p>
<p>That said, I think you will be fine at either place, it is more about where you think you will fit. UCR and UCSC are a bit differently culturally and environment-wise. UCR is one of the most diverse schools in the nation with a mix of very liberal and very conservative students. It is also in he desert and can get very hot but if you like desert environments (Palm Springs Joshua Tree are not far) if can be fun. </p>
<p>UCSC is a very activist oriented campus for some if they choose and is a very liberal campus. It is in a beautiful area (woodsy) and it rains a lot more. </p>
<p>I personally would opt for the choice that would be less costly (thinking about travel to and from home) as they are both great options. However, if you get off the waitlist at UC Davis - I would certainly go there.</p>
<p>UCSC’s astronomy department is outstanding, if you were sure that’s what you wanted to pursue. Having a good physics background is important for any of the options you mention, and both schools can give that to you. A young family friend is at UCR in Physics, very very enthused about how it’s a small undergrad program with tons of professors who are more than happy to work with undergrads. </p>
<p>I agree that you should look at the overall campus environment to see if you have a strong preference one way or another.</p>
<p>Cool thanks guys keep it coming! I’ve been researching up on UCSC and UCR. Right now I love UCSC’s environment (raining etc). Though I like the fact that UCR does have most of my friends and I live close to it. Man this is such a hard decision for me.</p>