10a is like this, you can memorize everything, do every single problem, every practice test (there are years worth of old midterms and finals made available to you), and you can still not pass the class. Why? Because the tests see how well you know the material and can apply your knowledge to a situation you hadn’t seen before. I have no idea how Hartman (the main lecturer for 10a) is able to construct different questions every quarter, but he does. If you decide to come to UCSB I would definitely recommend the strategy of when you’re studying, always ask questions, be able to prove things to yourself, this may sound a bit arbitrary but it’ll come in handy in the fall!
If you’re thinking about working for PwC one day, then UCSB is your place. They are one of the most active big 4s on our campus (right next to EY), that by no means guarantees you a job but it definitely increases your chances. Upper div accounting here is tough, doable but tougher than any of the lower div classes I have taken at other 4 years and community colleges. Accounting is definitely one of the more applicable fields of study on campus and its good if you want to go into general business, but know that you will be surrounded by people who have internships with Big 4s, mid-tiers, and local firms, its a rarity to find someone who hasn’t committed their post-college life to a public accounting firm and getting ready for the CPA exam.
UCs are all very well connected, yah it would be easier in UCI or UCLA to find an internship during the school year, but for UCSB accounting students, we are heavily recruited fall quarter, we get offers in december, then we relax until summer when our internship starts (I’ll be in LA myself, tons of recruiting for LA and bay area offices). I’m not sure how internships and recruiting works for other majors but we do have big career fairs ever quarter (for accounting its called Meet The Firms, approx. 600 students and 300 professionals were there in Fall) so there are plenty of options.
I can’t say whether or not its worth it, UCSB is a highly regarded school, our economics/accting program is unique, well respected, and heavily recruited from, but its hard to get into. If you want to go into accounting, UCSB is your best bet. If you want to go into general business/econ, you can do that anywhere. You’ll have to work your ass off to be able to do that at UCSB. But if you love this campus like I do, the work will be fun, you’ll meet some amazing people who will be with you throughout your entire major, and you’ll dread having to graduate.
Visit all the schools as many times as you can, this is a big decision and in the end you should pick the school that makes you feel like you belong, everything else will work out in the end.