UCSD or UCSB?

Question

I got accepted to both...but now i am in a lil dilemma.

I got accepted to UCSD for Winter 2008 while I got into UCSB for Fall 2007.

Pros/Cons for SD: It is ranked #3 out of the UC's. It has a good reputation. Difficult school to get into./ Because I was accepted for Winter 2008 (jan) I am not guaranteed on-campus housing and would most likely have to commute there/rent an apartment off campus. Some people say that for freshmen year you should live on campus. Also, I would be coming to school in Jan. and it may be more difficult in meeting people because everyone has already experienced the school at the beginning of the year. (during fall I would be attending a cc and transferring my credits)

Pros/Cons for SB: I am guaranteed housing for 2 years because I was accepted for Fall, beautiful school/ It is known to be a party school so that may be distracting and It is ranked lower than SD.

what do u think i should do?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it's a situation where you will have to decide between two nice but less-than-ideal situations.

Even at a "party school" there are going to be kids who don't party. There are bound to be other students beginning in January--surely you aren't the only one given the offer of a January start. Would you be guaranteed housing for the fall of 2008 at SD? Does it matter? SD is a big school, right? There should be plenty of people looking for roommates, even in January. And if you join a sorority (if that's your thing) you can move into a house presumably that fall.

Ultimately, it shouldn't be a big deal to start in January, unless you really, really wanted to experience dorm life. (And is there a chance they can get you into housing in January? Have you asked what the chances are you'd be offered housing? Lots of people drop out after their first semester or graduate in December--it's probably the reason for your January start--so people will be leaving. It's worth asking what your chances are.) What it comes down to is: Go to the school that's best for you, and you'll fit in no matter where you're living or when you start.

According to the UCSD web site for winter 2007 admits to Earl Warren (looked at your other ??s), http://warren.ucsd.edu/prospective/freshman_orientation_wi07.php,
Winter starts are given the highest priority on the housing waiting list. Just get on the list the very moment it opens up. And there is a special orientation just for winter starts--that's a good indication that there are several in your boat.

UCSD had the second highest number of applicants last year--only UCLA had more. You should be very proud of your acceptance.

Answer 2

I would choose UCSD for several reasons:
Ranking
Cost of living. Santa Barbara is the "American Riviera" for a reason; it's beyond overpriced! Consider that gas is $3.75 for a gallon of regular in SB right now. Housing is extremely high (and scarce), as are groceries. It's more expensive to fly into SB than San Diego.
There's more to do in San Diego.

Answer 3

Hey! I got accepted to UCSD for winter 2008 too!! but I will be living at home, so I guess I don't have to worry about HOusing, but can any one please let me know what I can do in Fall 2007? I really want to go to Fall 2007, and since I got accepted for winter 2008, it kinna suck, so what can i do???