jwroberts9

Hi,

I could really use some help and advice. I'm interested in Biology (mainly Marine) but do not know for sure if this is the right major. I've been accepted at both the Cal Poly biology progam and UCSB as undecided.

Here's my concerns.

1. I like the Cal Poly environment much better. I think socially I'll fit in better there. I also have my best friend going to Cal Poly.
2. I'm worried what I'm hearing about the "barbie doll" image at UCSB and social scene (drinking, drinking, drinking). I'm not sure if I'll be able to make friends as easily there as I don't quite fit into that type. I iike to do group things but not a big partier.
3. I like the academic programs and fact you don't need to choose a major at UCSB. I especially like the aquatic biology program and also the environmental studies program. I don't think they are as strong at Cal Poly.
4. I turned down UCSD as I want a school that does have a social life.

So...do I choose the school I think I'll be a better social fit in or better academics. Is the Cal Poly program good in biology? Am I stereotyping too much UCSB?

Note I really want to do a semester or year overseas as well as well as continue my Spanish language courses.

Please help! I am over my deadline and currently accepted to both!

Giants8307

Cal Poly Bio has the Cal Poly at Sea program, if you're interested. It's great to have the option to go out on a ship for a quarter and travel the South Pacific while taking bio classes.

Anyway, both are very strong strong schools. I went to Cal Poly for bio while passing up perhaps a higher-ranked program in Davis. I had a great experience and had no problem getting a job, while many of my classmates got into some great grad programs. UCSB, on the other hand, probably has a bigger bio program in whole. I'm sure you would get a great education there, as well. I'd probably just go with the school where you feel most comfotable.

lgellar

I'd go with UCSB; I'd be very surprised if there isn't a social scene there that you would enjoy. This is especially true if you turned down UCSD because of the social scene there.

liek0806

I feel your situation with Cal Poly is in between UCSB & UCSD. ONe has an overactive social life, while the other one doesn't.

Yet you eliminate the one that doesn't, which has the best program of all three just because of the social life not fitting with you.

If that's your reasoning, why even consider UCSB, if the social life also doesnt fit in with you. If you're just assuming UCSB wouldn't fit, aren't you doing the same with UCSD, assuming it wouldn't fit with you.

crazykool

well im a little biased bcs i am transferring out of cal poly but ...

UCSB much stronger academically and much more diversity socially (both composition of student body and what they like to do) crazy partying is a stereotype, its there but campus is so big you dont have to and if you dont like the ppl atleast there is more to do around there and easier to transfer within the uc system. If you dont like your major at cal poly its hard to change esp. bcs of the upside down curriculum. You can apply for cal poly at sea program even if you dont go to the school and cal poly only about an hour away if you want to visit your friend. Poly has good spanish but next to no other lang. depts and study abroad office not helpful.

what area did you go to high school in?