<p>since the OP lives in CA the best thing to to is visit while school is in session. You probably know people from your HS who are current students; even better, they are home now on break. Talk to some of them, make arrangements to visit for a nite and crash on their floor in a sleeping bag. Walk around campus and vicinity, accompany your friends to some classes, to meals in their dorms (you can buy meal passes) and talk to the people at the table, etc. You’ll get a feel for which is right for you.</p>