Jeremybeach

Hey!

I am new to california since May (technically been living here for welll over a year, but was attending an out of state school.....and now at cc..ugh!)

My question is:

(or are, rather)

What makes SC unique in comparison to the other UC's? Have people chosen it over berkeley or ucla? I know people consider this a "lower tier" UC, but I'm pretty sure the 16,000 students that go there don't care! But why should I?

You know what I mean?

Oh also, how is the social life? I'm not a crazy partier, but I'm not an introvert by any means and need people to talk to! Just like a parrot

What do you guys think?

I'd be coming in as prob a spanish/lang studies major.

empirescrumble

UCSC was designed to focus more on undergrad programs, as opposed to the other UCs (which don't).

Why language studies? Why not linguistics? UCSC has one of the best linguistics programs in the nation!

bananaslug

Well aren't they kind of the same thing, except Language Studies includes a language?
People choose UCSC for the great education without the crazy competition and the wonderful atmosphere. It's not in a city, while most of the others are. For those of us who hate cities but still want stuff to do, Santa Cruz is a great town for that. Plus, there's a beach!

SaveTheManatees

Language studies requires less upper division linguistics, and linguistics requires less language.

TheGeneral

I went to UCLA, my husband to UCSD (although many moons ago, I grant you), but we think Santa Cruz is the best. I've found it to be such a better choice for undergraduates. Lots of activities and opportunities: you're not lost in the masses. Also, if you're going in as a transfer, their support of transfer students is top-notch.
And a FRIENDLY place, can't be beat.
Yes, I've heard their linguistics program is one of the best.
Good luck!