<p>@Pandasaurus - I can give you a very good description of the folks at Cal Poly. My son is there now studying engineering and he loves it. So, here is a description of various categories of folks. Administrators: The new President, Dr. Armstrong, is incredibly hands on. He was there helping families move their kids in to the dorms on move in day! I actually heard him say, “Can I help you carry that?” A genuine guy who I think is the perfect leader for the school in these uncertain times. Teachers: Dedicated educators whose main priority is teaching undergraduate students. Smaller classes, no TA’s, the profs encourage you to approach them. Students: Outgoing, active, extremely helpful and generally very happy to be at Cal Poly SLO. There is lot’s of school spirit and they study hard. They also have a reputation for partying too. But, my kid says that people have fun and rarely get obnoxious. Police: They do their job well and keep the campus safe. Everyone takes the "Learn by Doing’ philosophy very seriously. Students are engaged in projects almost everywhere you look. Most campus events are run by the students. This includes everything from the prospective student Open House to the Football games and Intercollegiate Championship Rodeos they host. When on campus you can see people engaged in all sorts of activities and projects. Tons of clubs of all sorts. The campus is beautiful, the mountains are just as nice and don’t forget the ocean right there. Folks are a bit outdoorsy and seem ready for adventure. </p>
<p>My kid turned down offers from 5 UC’s for Cal Poly SLO. This includes UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, USCS and UCI Honors program. With regards to UCSC I totally get your concerns. You have to be of a very certain flavor to enjoy that atmosphere. </p>
<p>Contrary to what michael2 says, UCI and UCSB are not reaches fro you.</p>