hi!
I have been spending the last week or so struggling with my college decision between Santa Clara and UCSB. I was admitted to both schools of arts and sciences with an Undeclared major. When I visited both schools, I thought both campuses were very beautiful but was specifically drawn to UCSanta Barbara because of the ocean, the cute neighboring town(isla vista), and the biking aspect. I think that party-wise, from what I know, they both have a fun party scene with greek life and bars at both (feel free to comment if otherwise). I also have a scholarship from a separate organization so cost isn’t a big factor. I initially was accepted to Santa Clara in December and was admitted off the UCSB waitlist about a week ago. So i was pretty set on Santa Clara and got to know a bunch of future students. I will write a list of my pros and cons for both schools:
UCSB:
pros:
-on the beach and walking distance from hikes
-lots of people to meet
-more diverse
-isla vista and downtown santa barbara right nearby
-very good environmental studies program
-more independent(also a con, see below)
cons:
-no business majors (besides Econ) and I may be interested in studying business
-very big classes
-hard to get classes you want
-I don’t know anyone there
-more independent/ less help/hand holding
Santa Clara:
pros:
-smaller classes
-more attention from teachers
-nicer dorms and campus upkeep
-I know some people there
-offer business majors if I wanted to switch schools as well as minors I can take from the college of arts and sciences
-more familiar faces(smaller population)
-higher graduation rate
cons:
-less people
-hikes/ beach are a car drive away
-less diverse
-less “prestigious/well known”
If anyone has any input on either of the two schools, their academics, their environmental studies programs, their study abroad programs, the party scenes, nearby activities (hiking/biking/beach/shopping), differences in professors, or getting help after graduation with jobs/internships, please let me know!!