socaldreamer23

Hey guys! This is honestly the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life and I can't come to a solid decision and I wanted to know other peoples' opinions. I was accepted as a Chemistry major to all three schools schools. I like to think of myself as having a very balanced lifestyle - I know when to focus on academics and when to party hard when I want to. I'm basing my decision off the quality of the schools' science programs, internship opportunities, social atmosphere, etc.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hank4265

SoCalDreamer...you sound like my son in terms of wanting a balance between fun and academics. We're between CP and UCSB. We're OOS, so CP is WAAAYYYY cheaper. And, I love the smaller class sizes and Learn By Doing, as well as it seems like a great chance to get a job upon graduation. Concern for him is the social life at CP, which seems somewhat limited to me based on what I've seen on these threads. Hope you get some answers...because we have the same decision to make. (Tho my son is Environmental Engineering at CP and Enviro Studies at UCSB).

oodadoo

SLO is a 'dry campus' - there is a LOT of clean fun and plenty of 'don't be obvious/you won't get caught' functions...theirs is a more of a simple fun campus - recreation opportunities all around...thursday nights in SLO's farmer's market with street musicians and bar hopping, etc - watch the videos from this an other sites...

UCSB IS a bigger party school...no doubt...match your education and the social vibe will fit...somehow it always does for those who are moving forward...

good luck!

dyno0919

What do you want to do during and after college?

Personally, based on your 3 criteria, I feel UCSD is the best choice. It has a much bettter chemistry program than the other two, you have 3 (or 4? I forget exactly) of the largest research institutions in the nation nearby, including UCSD itself, and, despitewhat everyone says, it actually has a social scene. It's nowhere near the caliber of UCSB's, but it exists if you're willing to find it.