After the 2024 problems …
Lots of students and parents consider “prestige” to be an important part of their definition of “fit”.
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Sounds like Cal Poly and UCSB are taking the same approach - trying to create a sanctioned and regulated event. At UCSB Deltopia was replaced by Soltopia this year.
https://www.independent.com/2026/04/06/thousands-attend-first-soltopia-festival-in-isla-vista/
Yes we are in-state
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Son graduated in June 2025 and had the same options, plus Davis and others. The visit convinced him to choose SLO. He had a great experience and thrived in the Learn By Doing environment. Kids are happy at Cal Poly, professors care and get to know students in the small classrooms. I agree that you should visit a see where she can see herself attending. Talk to the school and see if there are students in the same major you can talk to. Cal Poly has a great reputation. Son had several internships and is now in Grad School at Cal.
I think she’s telegraphing where she wants to go. In actuality the UCSB party reputation is undeserved, and while you can find parties at a school where everyone lives on/near campus you can also find plenty if not more kids that are bright and academically involved.
But that’s neither here nor there. If your D goes to Cal Poly she’ll make friends and get a good education. Same would be true I bet at UCSB but you only get to attend one college.
The only thing I’d suggest (if she hasn’t done so already) is to visit each campus to get a first-hand feel. I’ve known a few people who the second they set foot on a campus knew it wasn’t right for them. Not sure how they knew, but IMO it’s worth the time just in case it happens to your D.
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