<p>Yeah it looks like Berkeley vs Santa Barbara to me. A few things, I didn’t get into Berkeley but I’m also from NorCal and chose to go to Santa Barbara, a five hour drive away. I loved it! Isla Vista is the most unique town in the UC system and this is the one opportunity you’ll get to live with thousands of people your age all packed together in one area. The social atmosphere is incredible and you’ll have a great time. I also thought it was great to be in a different part of the state and also learned not to rely on my parents for getting by.</p>
<p>On the academic side, I don’t think you’ll have a problem fitting in at UCSB either. Definitely apply to the honors college (if you’re in Letters & Sciences). Live in the Scholars hall if you want more like minded people. Also, if your major fits one of these, consider the [url=<a href=“http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/]College”>http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/]College</a> of Creative Studies<a href=“students%20admitted%20to%20this%20program%20have%20average%20stats%20about%20the%20same%20as%20UCB%20and%20UCLA%20btw”>/url</a>. It’s a very prestigious program and will allow you to have close contact with professors and research opportunities.</p>
<p>That being said, I suppose if you really find yourself disliking the school you can apply for a transfer. It seems like if you got into Berkeley you’re the kind of student that would excel at UCSB and also have transfer opportunities if you really wanted to. BTW I wouldn’t define SB as “preppy” either.</p>