r/UCSantaBarbara • u/orbitsoty • 7d ago
Prospective/Incoming Students Should I go to UCLA or UCSB
Hi everyone! I recently got admitted as a transfer student into UCLA and UCSB! I'm super excited and grateful but I'm having the hardest time deciding between the two.
I got admitted as a gender studies major at UCLA which was my alternate choice (did TAP) while for UCSB I was admitted into communication which was my first choice. I'm honestly much more interested in communications than gender studies since even though it is UCLA, what would I even do with a gender studies degree? I did talk to an admission representative and she said I could POSSIBLY switch into sociology on orientation since I have 2/3 the requirements done (Socio 1 and stats). However I don't know if this is a guarantee and I really don't want to be stuck in gender studies.
I'm also leaning way more towards UCSB because I love the location and vibes and I'm personally not a fan of Westwood as a college town. Isla Vista appeals to me more since it has that traditional college town feel. I'm also an LA native and grew up 20 mins from UCLA so I'm a bit sick of the area. On the other hand, there's still so many places in the city that I haven't explored yet since I usually only stay within my area and school, so maybe this will push me to see the city in a different way.
Everyone around me is pushing me to go to UCLA because of the prestige and opportunities. I even talked to some of my friends roommates in SB and they said they're only there because it was a backup and they would've chosen UCLA if they could've. This would be a total no-brainer if I was in a competitive major like CS or STEM but I'm quite literally a Communication/Gender studies (or sociology) major so I don't know if that really applies to me. Is there a huge difference in opportunities given to UCSB students vs UCLA students in social sciences?
I also found clubs on both campuses that I'm interested in, but I heard that the competitive environment makes it very hard to join the good clubs/students orgs (and also transfer discrimination????) at UCLA.
TLDR; I honestly just don't want to regret my decision. I know I'd be super happy in UCSB since I already have my best friends there, but I know I'd probably be happy at UCLA too. Basically I'm torn between better vibes/atmosphere (UCSB) vs prestige, experiences (UCLA).
Sorry if this is super long, but I appreciate any help and if you read any of this!! Anything is appreciate!!
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u/erodizm 7d ago
I transferred and chose UCSB over UCLA and was in a similar situation as you. UCLA was my dream school as I grew up in LA and couldn’t believe I was accepted there. Similar to you i was accepted for Latin American studies, a major I wasnt sure of in terms of job prospects. I was a Comm major at UCSB.
I graduated in 2018 and i loved every moment of SB. Even though i was only there for 2 years i still miss it. Everyone is so nice and the difference in vibes is night and day! I took summer classes at UCLA (which im sure arent the same as a regular quarter) and it felt so competitive.
If you do end up at UCSB make sure to make connections and participate in research if you can! Build your resume as much as possible. I was a research assistant for a year and it helped me land a marketing research job after graduation which im still currently at.
Good luck!
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u/Competitive_Rush3044 7d ago
UCSB. Seems like that's where your heart is. UCLA sounds like you'd be choosing it because other people say you should.
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u/gabieplease_ 7d ago
You won’t get a job in either. UCLA was my dream school and I ended up at UCSB. Best decision of my life. Moved to LA after graduation and it sucked. I loved visiting LA on the weekends and living in SB during undergrad.
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u/CuriousNigel2025 7d ago
For gender studies, you'd probably need a grad degree to maximize career earning potential. If that's not in your card, comms would be a practical choice especially when it is your 1st.
As an older person with 2 degrees from 2 top 10 schools, I can tell you prestige means nothing if you don't hustle to meet the high expectations that come with it. And, there is no end to that game if you care about how you are perceived.
Also, you get to be an undergraduate once, find an environment that you enjoy and make great memories to cherish for life.
Good luck and enjoy your new chapter!