So many of the “What are my chances?” threads here are very California focused. I’m wondering what makes California appealing.
So if you’re a parent who settled in California, would you mind sharing what you find appealing that led you to settle here? (Location, Cost of living, jobs, vibe).
If you’re a student from OOS, would you mind sharing why you would like to go to school in California?
Personally, I never thought of California to be anything ‘too’ special. I’ve lived in Los Angeles my whole life and it’s nice here but I feel as OOS kids have a completely different view than what I have. And I would like to hear that side.
California is a popular destination period! It is the most populous state by far at 40 mil residents (Texas 2nd at 28 mil). In state tuition is on average below 10K, quality schools, weather, diversity, liberal–everything a young person appreciates!
@1andonly What state are you from?
It’s the beaches, parties, glamour, celebrities, and surfing all working together to form a big fantasy. Middle class parents can’t afford it, so CA is never really an option. When wealthy parents can afford to send their kids to CA, it reinforces that fantasy. If you cut-off the money and make them work to pay for school/living, I guarantee they’d be on a plane back home within days. It’s not affordable any other way for a college student.
My son is an OOS student in CA, but he only applied to one school there. It wasn’t California per se that attracted him, but rather the particular school. He’s a Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly. The small classes, not taught by TAs, teaching philosophy, job placement, great location and affordable tuition from out of state were what attracted him.
He had absolutely no interest in the UCs, as, with the exception of job placement, they are all pretty much the opposite of what attracted him to Cal Poly.
Keep it coming. Loving the responses. Thanks!