UCSB/UCI [with intent to transfer] vs UW for Applied Math

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College decisions didn’t go great so I’m not really sure which school to pick. For background, my end goal would be to work as a SWE/Quant hopefully in the Bay Area or Socal (I understand with my options I’d need a masters to be considered for Quant which I’ll likely go for but mainly interested in hearing this with tech jobs in mind for postgrad). Regardless of which school I pick I also plan on applying to transfer to UCLA, Cal, USC, NYU, and Columbia after a year, I should have enough credits to be junior standing by then and should have all my major prereqs done by then. Would also like to add that cost isn’t necessarily a concern but def still something I’m considering.

UCSB/UCI - Applied Math Major - In State
Currently I’m leaning more towards attending a UC. Got admitted to SB but waitlisted at Irvine, fairly confident I’ll get off but obviously not guaranteed. Both are seemingly equal academically but I’d assume that UCI would be the better of these two for location, internship/postgrad job opportunities, and also having a CS minor. Regardless of these schools my goal would be to transfer with UCLA and Cal being the best bet with a 40%ish transfer acceptance rate for my major and UC to UC transfers having highest acceptance rates after in-state CCs. The main positive for these would be in-state(preferred location), better transfer opportunities(UC–>UC), and also being in Socal where I’d hope to stay postgrad but obviously slightly lacking in prestige.

UW - Applied Math Major- OOS w/ $3k per year
Not necessarily a desirable location, I’m from Ireland so I’ve spent enough time in the rain, but obviously much better job/internship opportunities especially for tech. They don’t have a CS minor but the schools CS prestige along with the focuses of their applied math program I would assume to be enough to land a job postgrad along with interns throughout schooling. From what I know this would be the best option for tech but mainly wondering if the difference is big enough for me to pay out of state tuition and also choose a much worse location in terms of personal preferences both during school and postgrad.

Also considering some others like Santa Clara which would have good location for tech but too local for me (I live 2 hours away), Boston U but for general studies which is the main turn off for me, and Stevens Institute which would be good for quant but not as well for tech and also not highly regarded in West Coast.

The main thing I’m looking to hear is with a goal of SWE/Quant postgrad, if unable to transfer would SB/UCI not be prestigious enough for top offers in these fields? Would I be stupid to not pick UW or is the difference too marginal for me to sacrifice preferred postgrad living location?

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Why UCLA, Berkeley, USC, NYU or Columbia?

I don’t know why you feel confident that you will be admitted off of the UCI waitlist.

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I don’t know why you’re confident in getting into UCI or being accepted as a transfer. Both are possibilities, but definitely not sure things. The overall transfer acceptance rate at UCLA from other UCs was only 17% (here: Transfer Profile — Fall 2023 | UCLA Undergraduate Admission) - and if you want to transfer after one year, your profile will be almost the same as it was this year (I’m assuming you applied and were rejected). I’d recommend heading to UCSB with the idea of staying until graduation.

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You got into UCSB - for most, they would consider that a home run.

If you applied to a school and didn’t get in, it’s unlikely you will next year.

Sure seems this major has a lot of folks working in the roles you want, in NYC and beyond. A linkedin search popped a lot.

You’re in at UCSB - so that’s your choice - or spending a lot more at UW - another reasonable choice based on fit…not that you’d do better.

You can accomplish what you want from anywhere - there’s never assurances but work hard and you’ll be fine.

UCSB is a top school - and for a residential experience, likely superior to Irvine, known as a suitcase school - forever.

Best of luck - whatever you decide - and yes, in the last CDS, 90% of UCI WL did come off.

Anyway, you got UCSB - you did very well!!

You can only go to one and that’s a GREAT one.

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Yeah I’m going in with that mindset just hopeful that I’ll get out. For my major the transfer acceptance rates are both around 40 and my HS stats are relatively high just coming out of a competitive school and baby boom year.

As for UCI majority of my school got waitlisted bc last year only 5-6/25ish kids that got admitted went so I’m assuming it was just done for yield. I only know of 2 that actually got accepted when we had 10ish at both UCLA and Cal.

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Assuming they waitlisted for yield because last year only 5/25ish people admitted from my school went. I only know of 2 people that got in when we had 10ish at each of UCLA and Berkeley. I’m staying hopeful for it but obviously know its never guaranteed especially with a UC.