<p>Hi, so I've recently been admitted to both USC, UCSB, and some other schools. I've narrowed it down to these as my top choices and I'm having a really difficult time deciding. For USC, I've been admitted to Marshall but it's SO expensive(about $60,000 a year). I would love to attend, but I'm not sure if I have the heart to put my parents through that financial trouble. We are too wealthy for financial aid, but not wealthy enough to easily pay for college at all. I also have a younger brother who is planning on attending college too in the next few years when he graduates. USC has a great alumni network obviously, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. UCSB on the other hand is a cheaper $33,000(I'm a California resident). I was admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences with the Honors Program. But, many more people from my school are attending here and I'm not sure I want that. I also know that UCSB is not quite as prestigious and more known as a party school. But I would love to save some money. If I went to UCSB, I would try to major in communications(for marketing) or econ. But I'm open to exploring some other options there. Anyways, I wanna hear what you guys have to say. PLEASE HELP</p>
<p>UCSB is big enough you probably won’t see your high school classmates very often. </p>
<p>Honors is fantastic.</p>
<p>Talk to your parents…if they can’t afford USC, UCSB is a great alternative. </p>
<p>Other option is to really save money… attend a CC for 2 years, get top grades then reapply to USC Marshall, Berkeley Haas or UCLA for undergrad biz econ.</p>
<p>Ok, thank you UCBChemEGrad! I’ve been skeptical about UCSB only because I’m so in love with USC’s academic prestige. I’m glad to hear that Honors is good. I’m not sure about going to a CC, but I definitely think it’s a good option. Do you think it’d be difficult to transfer from UCSB to USC later if I really wanted to?</p>
<p>Any other opinions?</p>
<p>i think USC would be a good choice but if money is a problem UCSB would be a better choice. less pressure would be put on your parents. its a mature act</p>
<p>If you can swallow your pride, remain focused and disciplined in your studies, and get top grades at a CC, you have a great chance of being admitted to USC or UCs. Keep in mind though that budget cuts have really affected course availability at the CCs and this may not be as an attractive option as it was in the past. However, if you can handle the inconveniences of registering for classes, limited parking, and being flexible with your schedule, CCs are a great money saver.</p>
<p>@hongkongu that’s very true! Thanks. @UCBChemEGrad that’s a very good point. I wasn’t aware of the course availability issue. Thank you for your insight!!</p>
<p>UCSB is a fine school. It is also more prestigious than you think. It is also one of the most beautiful campuses on the planet. No school is worth $60,000 a year not even USC. We are talking more than $108,000 difference over 4 years between the two schools.</p>
<p>USC has an outstanding network, but UCSB has a great alumni network as well. I’ve met many in business and you should be fine there.</p>
<p>Make the first important “business decision” of your life. Powerfully choose UCSB and never look back.</p>
<p>@osakadad thank you for your wise input. I am now highly considering UCSB. I’m only worried now about whether I will fit in. UCSB is commonly known for partying but I’m not the biggest partier. Of course any college I go to will have parties, but I’m not sure I can handle parties on weekdays like I’ve heard about. Anyone with UCSB experience have anything to say?</p>
<p>UCSB has a reputation as a party school. So do many others. Remember that UCSB is a top research university with a faculty and student body that had to be serious to get where it is today. In order to get into UCSB people had to work hard in HS and get grades and stats very similar to yours. There will be folks that will party and there will be people like you. UCSB also has a no tolerance drug and alcohol policy just like any other school. Yes, it may have a well deserved reputation for partying, but I guarantee that if that is not your cup of tea you will find many others just like you.</p>
<p>Talk to your parents and see how they feel about the costs. Also, remember USC is also a “party school” too. Just go to one football game and you will see what I mean.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the party school reputation of UCSB is due to the lifestyle in the adjoining student community of Isla Vista. If you stay away from there, you likely will see less partying than at other schools where the parties are on campus.</p>
<p>UCSB is a great school academically, and any school can be a party school if you make it one.</p>
<p>That’s very true. Thank you everyone. Anyone have any idea what the honors program offers?</p>
<p>Struggling with the same dilemna. UCSB’s party rep is due to Halloween De la Playa cabal in Isle Vista - costumes and clothing optional. USC is unbelievably expensive - as are all the privates. Notwithstanding, your gut will tell you which is right for you. If you will have regrets about “not choosing X” then that should tell you something. Santa Barbara is as beautiful a campus you will find anywhere; USC’s is not. The Greek system at USC is every bit as raunchy as UCSB’s weekend of debauched revelry. UCSB is a terrific choice and you will not look back. If you are returning to NorCal after graduation, it would seem to me that UCSB is likely a better option since the UC system is very well regarded in that region of the state. If SoCal is your “lifestyle” target, then USC would be better in the long run. Good luck.</p>
<p>@wormandcandy that’s very reassuring!! thanks!! If all else fails, I’m thinking about applying again to USC after one or two years at UCSB. That would only be if I disliked UCSB. Anyone have anything to say or advise about that?</p>
<p>Students at Santa Barbara City College also contribute to UCSB’s party reputation. Many wealthy, but less academically qualified students who couldn’t get into SDSU or one of the UCs opt to live in Isla Vista and attend SBCC so they can get some of what they think the college experience entails (read party all the time). </p>
<p>That’s not to say UCSB isn’t a gigantic party school. It is. But there are plenty of students that don’t imbibe on a weekly basis, and the school offers quite a few activities for those students. </p>
<p>Also wormandcandy, the UC system is well regarded across California, and indeed the world. It’s not just well thought of in NorCal.</p>
<p>@whenhen Yes, I’ve heard a lot about the SBCC kids and happen to know two future SBCC students.</p>
<p>UPDATE: I’ve recently spoken with my parents and the issue is getting a loan. My parents don’t have great credit, so we’re facing some difficulty with that but we’re striving to get enough for USC. We can definitely pay off the loan we just need to find one that we can actually get. We have found some ways to get loans though. 
I’m visiting both schools this coming week so hopefully I can get a good feel for both. So now I was wondering what you guys think regardless of money? I want to major in business or marketing, perhaps study abroad, and have a good internship. I also plan to have a job during college to get a little(very little) head start on paying off my loans.</p>
<p>Are you comfortable with USC’s surrounding neighborhood and have you ever read the area crime reports?</p>
<p>
UCSB does not have majors like that. The closest you can come is business econ, which has a strong accounting emphasis. Students from UC schools successfully enter those fields without specific classes, you are selling yourself as someone with potential and drive with your UC degree. Internships are also a key to be a strong candidate in the job market. But if you feel more comfortable with a traditional business or marketing degree then you probably don’t want UCSB.</p>