<p>Here's the line up
USC: Rejected
UCLA: Rejected
UCB: Rejected
Cal Poly SLO: Wait listed
SDSU: Accepted
CU Boulder: Accepted
UCSB: Accepted
UCSD: Accepted
UCD: Accepted</p>
<p>Out of the schools I got accepted to my decision is mainly between UCSD and UCSB. & while its never been a school I've really even paid attention to, I need visit and get a feel for UCD. Even though from my research and what I've heard, it's in the middle of nowhere, and doesn't seem to suit my needs. </p>
<p>I am a social person, but strongly value academia. There is a balance between studies and my social life, that has led me success and pleasure in both areas. I want to be able to carry this balance to college. </p>
<p>But, from what I've heard UCSD and UCSB represent extremes. UCSD rumors as being boring with minimal social life, while UCSB gets the reputation of being a heavy partying school. Yet UCSD seems to have a leg up on academics. I don't know which would better suit me. </p>
<p>I've always pictured myself at a big school with Div I sports (mainly football and basketball) and lots of school spirit, but out of my available colleges (except for Boulder, which is too damn expensive), none of them really have that aspect. Yet they are still great schools. I just have to adapt a bit.</p>
<p>I know college is what you make of it, and I will definitely make the best of wherever I go, but some guidance would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I have to decide between UCSD, UCD, and UCSB too! I’m so lost because all these schools have pros and cons. I would say I am like you; I am a social person who wants to have fun in college but I still want the best education and do well in school.</p>
<p>UCSD is an amazing school that offers so many research opportunities. SD is ranked very high and is known to be one of the top public schools in the nation as well. I know that the education I will get will be top notch. UCSD is one of the top in the nation (right behind MIT, Harvard, etc) for the major I am going in for, so that’s definitely something I have to consider. However, it is known to be “socially dead”, but there are MANY clubs and sororities/frats that the students can join. I heard that UCSD is “dead” during the weekends because so many students drive home (because they live so close by) but you can always find parties (if not at UCSD, most likely at SDSU or some place). I visited the campus today, and didn’t like it too much; it was REALLY big and the buildings weren’t as appealing as I thought they would be.</p>
<p>UCD surprised me when I visited it. It’s seems like a small welcoming community and it has a beautiful campus. The dorms are extremely beautiful and I would love to live in them! However, for me, I don’t think I would get as many research opportunities, so that concerns me. The smell and the location concerns me as well. Outside of the campus, there’s not much to do- a few stores and lots of farm land. And COWS, which is why it smells so strongly of cow poop. </p>
<p>UCSB is the school I keep going back to. The campus is BEAUTIFUL- I keep remembering it and I know I will be truly happy there. I’m seriously in love with the campus! However, the academics aren’t as good UCSD and it’s known to be a party school. Of course, if you stay focused in school and budget your time well, you will have fun while maintaining a good GPA. However, in my case, I don’t know if going to UCSB will be a good idea because SB is not that good for other majors other than engineering (and i’m not an engineering major). </p>
<p>Right now, I’m leaning towards UCSD, but I’m not 100% sure. I don’t know what to do! :(</p>
<p>I posted this as an answer to another thread…but It may apply here too. I dont know if itll help…but heres some input:</p>
<p>Im a recent graduate with a BS in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at UCSB, and hopefully what I have to say will help you make a decision.</p>
<p>In short. Go to UCSB. </p>
<p>Yes I know I am obviously bias when it comes to this decision but just hear me out. When I was in this situation 4 years ago, I made the decision on what college to attend STRICTLY based on prestige of the university. I thought of nothing else (something that I realize now as being stupid). But boy am I glad I went to Santa Barbara. The one thing that you learn at UCSB above everything else (which also happens to be one of the most important things in life…) is PEOPLE skills. You learn to be social; this is EXTREMELY important in life ESPECIALLY if you plan on going into engineering. When it comes to interviewing for jobs, most engineers are awkward, can’t talk, etc. The ones that CAN truly shine and end up nailing those interviews and getting above the rest in terms of getting a great job. It goes beyond having a ‘great college experience’. With engineering, as long as you keep on top of your work, its great to be able to easily have a social life with partying, constantly meeting people etc which in fact balances out the amount of work you have to put in while attending the college of engineering. I may not know much about UCSD, I am sure it is a great school too, but I can say NOTHING BUT THE BEST about UCSB and the time I spent during my 4 years there. It literally changed me as a person in every single positive way, and I have not once regretted my decision to go there. </p>
<p>Basically…you seem to realize that you need to keep your grades in check with your social life…as long as you believe and FOLLOW this idea (aka dont let your grades slip, study when you need to)…youll love santa barbara.</p>
<p>Wow! I’m not an expert, however, here goes (not sure if you want advice from a Mom):
First of all, Congratulations! You cannot go wrong with any of these choices. I’m a Recruiter in Silicon Valley and have had the pleasure of hiring college students from all over the country including these schools.</p>
<p>My son and I were in a smiliar dilemma 1 year ago today. I graduated from UCD as a Bio major many years ago. He’s chosen Bio, too. Being from No. Cal, we wanted him to go to UCD. UCD is a great school and can make a lot of people happy. We really wanted him to be in a social environment where he could learn some leadership skills and make close friends. He fell in love with UCSB. Needless to say, we lost out and he is finishing his first year at UCSB. </p>
<p>He absolutely loves it there.</p>
<p>Socially and Academically he is doing well and I couldn’t be happier. He took advantage of these free tutoring sessions called CLAS and his Science grades are great. (The elective courses are challenging so be prepared to study). He attended Soccer and Basketball games and had a great time. (He never liked soccer) He perfected his frisbee skills.
He hops on the free city bus and goes downtown to see movies. They go on bike rides. They go to the Rec Center. They eat burritos at 1am. These kids are ambitious, and over-the-top friendly. It’s a very collaborative, “team player” environment with ALL types of personalities and cultures. </p>
<p>Some of his friends party and some don’t. No one pressures you. There’s always someone studying in the study lounges when we visit. And just like all UC’s, finals week is quiet.</p>
<p>Oh, and there’s this big thing called the Pacific Ocean 50 steps from his dorm. </p>