#ucsb2018

I have submitted my Statement of Intent to Register a few days ago and thought it would be fitting to make this post today because it the decision deadline for many colleges. 

I'M A GAUCHO! UCSB CLASS OF 2018!!!!!!! 

This doesn't seem like a "junior themed" topic to discuss, but it is. There are so many things that I would have wanted to know before I toured colleges in the summer going into senior year. 

But first, let me tell  you about my stressful process of decision making. 

It is true that making a decision is harder than applying to colleges. It is so much mental burden when you know you are making a decision that will affect the next four years and the rest of your life. 

Saint Mary's College of California gave me a lot of money, I won their Presidential Scholars award, and I was offered an honors student position. SMCC is close to the Bay Area where the tech industry is blooming, I get to keep the Lexus for free on campus, food is great, small class sizes, undergrad-oriented, beautiful campus... it is truly a great school.  Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY also offered me a scholarship, lots of need-based aid, and has a great Oxford exchange program. The campus is pretty much a fairytale village in real life, the seminar-style classes are intimate, which makes for a great learning environment. The professors are ranked number one in the nation in Princeton Review. Every student at Sarah Lawrence is obviously unique-- there is no "typical" Sarah Lawrence student. 

Despite the merits the two liberal arts colleges that accepted me possess, I decided to go to the big school with a party rep. Here's why:

I know there is a high possibility that I will seek work overseas, so the big name of "University of California" will help employers understand my credentials. 

While a 800-people intro to psych lecture sounds intimidating, there are mandatory discussion groups capped at around 24 people and a great free tutorial system readily available to students.

A big student body means diverse interests, clubs, groups etc. I have more opportunities to meet like-minded individuals with different backgrounds and try different things. As an advocate of open-mindedness, I like to keep my options wide open. 

UCSB owns their own beach. C'mon. Who wouldn't want a beach?

Despite the party reputation, which is mostly attributed to the town that UCSB is situated in (Isla Vista), UCSB has strong academics. 

Because UCSB is a big research institute, research opportunities are available to students as well.

Downtown SB is the bomb.

UCSB has one of the highest student satisfaction rates among other universities. Everyone I know that goes there loves it.

On top of all that, I got a lot of aid from UCSB, so my parents only have to pay about $10k per year. The only downside is inconvenient transportation. It is only 5 hours away from where I live, but trains and busses to go back home can add up. 

I probably didn't make my decision making process sound like a headache here, but it was. I am so happy with my decision, and I am SO EXCITED FOR SUMMER AND COLLEGE!

When I was a junior, I wish someone had told me that I have to experience a school on my own (visiting, staying with a student) to get a feel of the school before judging whether it is a good fit for me. I was reluctant to even consider UCSB at first because of its party reputation. Now, I know that while the party scene is prevalent, I am in control and responsible for my own decisions. There will be a party scene wherever you end up. You just need to learn how to control yourself. Don't let others' opinions of the school affect yours. Make your own judgement. Seriously, talk to a senior and ask about their experiences regarding picking colleges. There are so many false preconceived notions that only make things more confusing. Seniors have insight and personal experience with the whole college process, so don't hesitate to ask us! At least I am very happy to help.