As a current UCSB student, I would say 1) Yes, we're a party school but it's not as crazy as everyone likes to think - It's really the city college kids that are the crazy ones. I personally go out 2-3 times a quarter which is on the more conservative end. However, I know people who go out more than that and still keep up their grades. So if you're scared about getting lost in the partying don't be. For reference, I'm currently pursing a BS and have a 3.8. Also, a lot of my friends who go to UCSD describe it at times as a soulless prison and also for some reason, it's a commuter school so campus on the weekends there is dead. 2) If you're majoring in anything STEM related, at least from my experience, the departments and the professors are AMAZING (especially the ES department) here and there are a TON of research opportunities. I will the say the Econ department SUCKS - the professors, TAs, and class grading structures are terrible - however, I think it's like that at every UC because it's the most popular major so they try and weed people out. The "big four" also LOVE recruiting from here so it clearly has a very strong reputation in the world of econ/finance. If you're pre-med and are considering both, even though it has an amazing reputation and Scripps is right there, go to SB for your undergraduate. Everyone at UCSD is on the pre-med track so it's EXTREMELY competitive. At SB, you're getting the same amazing education but it's not as competitive so your medschool application will stand out more AKA you're GPA will be better (this might be bad advice idk just something to think about) 3) BE VERY sure you like SB as an area. I originally thought I didn't want to go to school in a large city but I was very wrong. Although I have gotten used to and am actually starting to love it, SB is kinda isolated so there isn't that much to do on the weekends other than party (part of why we like to do it so much), go hiking/running/biking on the most insanely gorgeous trails in the area, or drive to LA for the day. That's probably the only true advantage I see in UCSD - UTC, Fashion Valley, and downtown are all right there so you don't really have to plan out driving an hour and a half to go do fun city things on the weekends. 4) I can't speak on UCSD's part because I don't go there but if you're worried about the networking opportunities at UCSB because it's isolated. To put it quite simply, DON'T. Remember, Montecito (you know, the place where Oprah and Prince Harry live?) is right down the street and there are a TON of very very very very well-known accomplished people who LOVE to meet and help students whether it be mentoring or connecting them with professionals in whatever field they're going into - I know from personal experience :) 5) From my point of view, I think UCSB offers the superior UNDERGRADUATE experience. If you're super academically focused like I am, you can find and surround yourself with people like yourself but when you want to go out and have fun, it's easily right there for you. Only thing I'll say is that between the horrid dining hall food and the dorms, freshman year is a CHALLENGE but it also provides you the full college experience. However once you start living in IV for your second year and beyond, the whole experience becomes WAYYYY better.
That's a decent reply, especially for students like me who need to decide between UCs. Do you have any suggestions between choosing UCSB, UCI, and UCD?
Hey Craig, this is totally random but I wanted to see if I could get your opinion on it. Recently I've been admitted to UChicago EA and UC Berkeley early. Granted, I theoretically could still be admitted to one of the Ivy Leagues I applied to, but assuming that I'm not, how would you decide between those two? I'm having a super difficult time making that distinction. Thanks!
Unfortunately, I can't provide personalized guidance on UA-cam. Though, the schools you mention are VERY different from each other. I wish you the best of luck, and for one-on-one coaching, feel free to visit CollegeMeister.com.
I second your opinion. My younger daughter will apply to UCSB and not UCSD. I personally do not like the way UCSD differentiates the students by the housing options they decide on. I don't like the idea of making a big school smaller this way.
As a current UCSB student, I would say
1) Yes, we're a party school but it's not as crazy as everyone likes to think - It's really the city college kids that are the crazy ones. I personally go out 2-3 times a quarter which is on the more conservative end. However, I know people who go out more than that and still keep up their grades. So if you're scared about getting lost in the partying don't be. For reference, I'm currently pursing a BS and have a 3.8. Also, a lot of my friends who go to UCSD describe it at times as a soulless prison and also for some reason, it's a commuter school so campus on the weekends there is dead.
2) If you're majoring in anything STEM related, at least from my experience, the departments and the professors are AMAZING (especially the ES department) here and there are a TON of research opportunities. I will the say the Econ department SUCKS - the professors, TAs, and class grading structures are terrible - however, I think it's like that at every UC because it's the most popular major so they try and weed people out. The "big four" also LOVE recruiting from here so it clearly has a very strong reputation in the world of econ/finance.
If you're pre-med and are considering both, even though it has an amazing reputation and Scripps is right there, go to SB for your undergraduate. Everyone at UCSD is on the pre-med track so it's EXTREMELY competitive. At SB, you're getting the same amazing education but it's not as competitive so your medschool application will stand out more AKA you're GPA will be better (this might be bad advice idk just something to think about)
3) BE VERY sure you like SB as an area. I originally thought I didn't want to go to school in a large city but I was very wrong. Although I have gotten used to and am actually starting to love it, SB is kinda isolated so there isn't that much to do on the weekends other than party (part of why we like to do it so much), go hiking/running/biking on the most insanely gorgeous trails in the area, or drive to LA for the day. That's probably the only true advantage I see in UCSD - UTC, Fashion Valley, and downtown are all right there so you don't really have to plan out driving an hour and a half to go do fun city things on the weekends.
4) I can't speak on UCSD's part because I don't go there but if you're worried about the networking opportunities at UCSB because it's isolated. To put it quite simply, DON'T. Remember, Montecito (you know, the place where Oprah and Prince Harry live?) is right down the street and there are a TON of very very very very well-known accomplished people who LOVE to meet and help students whether it be mentoring or connecting them with professionals in whatever field they're going into - I know from personal experience :)
5) From my point of view, I think UCSB offers the superior UNDERGRADUATE experience. If you're super academically focused like I am, you can find and surround yourself with people like yourself but when you want to go out and have fun, it's easily right there for you. Only thing I'll say is that between the horrid dining hall food and the dorms, freshman year is a CHALLENGE but it also provides you the full college experience. However once you start living in IV for your second year and beyond, the whole experience becomes WAYYYY better.
That's a decent reply, especially for students like me who need to decide between UCs. Do you have any suggestions between choosing UCSB, UCI, and UCD?
Thank you!!! So helpful
What would be a good major for felons?
Also do you have any cheaper alternatives than a $360 session?
UCSB, definitely a party school, has professors cautioning students against attending class with surfboards or in flip-flops.
Hey Craig, this is totally random but I wanted to see if I could get your opinion on it. Recently I've been admitted to UChicago EA and UC Berkeley early. Granted, I theoretically could still be admitted to one of the Ivy Leagues I applied to, but assuming that I'm not, how would you decide between those two? I'm having a super difficult time making that distinction. Thanks!
What major?
Unfortunately, I can't provide personalized guidance on UA-cam. Though, the schools you mention are VERY different from each other. I wish you the best of luck, and for one-on-one coaching, feel free to visit CollegeMeister.com.
Thoughts on Cal Poly SLO vs UCSD for biology? Leaning towards SLO but I'm pre-health (pa school)
UCSD was the leading graduating entity for biotech in the world, if that helps. I think close to 1/4 of the students were in some form of biology.
My daughter can’t decide between UCSD, CAL, or UCSB. Help!!!! Advice?
Just a gentle reminder...it's LA JOLLA (pronounced 'HOYA'). Nice video, thanks!
Please compare ucsd and uc davis!
I am a UCSD alumni, and my son goes to UCD. I would be interested in that as well.
8:42 "La Challa" Spanish Hebrew🤣
I second your opinion. My younger daughter will apply to UCSB and not UCSD. I personally do not like the way UCSD differentiates the students by the housing options they decide on. I don't like the idea of making a big school smaller this way.