UCSD/UCSB vs Bates/Colby...

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Bates is a small LAC in Maine, while UCSD is a big, public UC that I'm considering. Which college would you recommend I pick, if the choice came?</p>

<p>(I'm trying to cut down on the number of schools I'm applying to... it gets expensive.)</p>

<p>-I'm interested in business, finance, economics, politics, english...
-I want to study abroad as much as possible
-I want to land some good internships in college
-I am low-income (20K/year). UCs are much cheaper but Bates might equalize with fin aid
-I like both the idea of a big state school, and a LAC.</p>

<p>Since both of those schools are practically opposites, I just want to know which would be better, overall, for grad school and the all the things I mentioned. LAC vs UC doesn't make the difference since I would be happy at either, and I don't have enough money to visit.</p>

<p>UCSD sounds like it would have better connections because it's bigger. It also has better weather and name recognition, and it might be more fun. I also hear that Bates is in a run-down town and that it's boring...</p>

<p>But if you think Bates is better in the things I mentioned, I'd definitely want to know. Thanks</p>

2

<p>Are you intent on studying business and finance as an undergrad? Bates definitely will not offer those two fields, although I’m not sure if UCSB does. I assume you are living in California? Otherwise UCSB is a terrible choice for low-income. I believe Bates does guarantee to meet full need; not sure about the loans policy for very low income students.</p>

<p>You should just pick the school that is cheapest. Since you don’t know which that is, you ought to apply to both (using fee waivers).</p>

3

<p>Your income is so low you should be applying to many schools so you can best compare financial aid awards.</p>

4

<p>alright will do</p>

5

<p>these are all good schools. The difference in possible outcomes (eg. getting into grad school) is going to be based on what YOU do in college, not some magic they have at one or terrible teaching at another.

Most people have a definite preference between a small college in a small town, or a large U in a large city. But since you don’t, all you need to do here is flip a coin.</p>