<p>Actually, UCSC was my top choice for a variety of reasons and yes I visited the campus a half dozen times before attending. I saw more of the campus than most. I had other choices, sure, but the beauty of UCSC was awe-inspiring. It is a great school.</p>
<p>As far as my statement regarding whether you are liberal or conservative goes, I believe my observation is fair. It seems that you had a different experience. I envy your situation if that is the case. For me, and many of my close friends, speaking openly about controversial issues is not looked well upon if your beliefs are not aligned with the ones that the majority of Santa Cruz students agree with. </p>
<p>For example, I remember one day when I was in a small discussion of students talking about the recent UCSD ‘racism outbreak.’ Basically, I sat there as my peers told me about how UCSD tries its best to keep African American admissions low, and about how the white male fraternity that hosted the Compton cookout party rapes black girls, but UCSD ignores the situation. Then, others shared several more 100% factual stories. You don’t need me to tell you about how they reacted when I suggested, and I quote, “While the situation definitely raises some red flags that we should look into, I think this party was just started by a couple of dumb college kids that didn’t know what they were doing. Maybe this whole racism thing in UCSD is being blown out of proportion.” </p>
<p>Am I bitter? Perhaps. But I don’t have some agenda against UCSC. Hell, I may even complete my undergrad here now that I have gotten very involved with the Economics Department. I am not on some bashing campaign, but rather, I want to make sure students know what they are getting into when they SIR. It is an excellent school, but admittedly, the school isn’t for everyone.</p>