I plan on majoring in French. I've heard good things about both schools, but can't decide which. Any input/thoughts are welcome.
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Where to go to college: UC Davis or UC Santa Barbara?
- Thread starter Stridder44
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UC Santa Barbara is my top choice for college as of right now. I really want to go to school in CA, but I'm out of state so it will be all luck if I end up getting into a UC. Santa Barbara is all about location. How awesome would it be to basically go to college right on the beach. It is known to be a party school since Isla Vista (IV) is a huge college town, but all colleges are pretty much party schools. I'm not sure which school would fit your major the best, so you might want to do some research on that. If you do end up choosing UCSB, hopefully I'll see you there next year, haha.
Future planning:
Do you plan to also go to Grad school? If so and if you wish to remain at UC Davis or UCSB then UC Davis afaik has a grad program in French. However, you may want to try UCSB for under grad and UC Davis for Grad. I always believed attending two different colleges for undergrad and grad was ideal as you get another view on teaching and the overall cultural experience moving from one college to the other.
UCSB ... party school, great location, seems to have a decent program. UC Davis for some reason appears a bit more serious in this field.
Do you plan to also go to Grad school? If so and if you wish to remain at UC Davis or UCSB then UC Davis afaik has a grad program in French. However, you may want to try UCSB for under grad and UC Davis for Grad. I always believed attending two different colleges for undergrad and grad was ideal as you get another view on teaching and the overall cultural experience moving from one college to the other.
UCSB ... party school, great location, seems to have a decent program. UC Davis for some reason appears a bit more serious in this field.
This is an honest question, no intent on being snarky.
What opportunities will be opened for you by majoring in French rather than majoring in something else and learning French (and France's history, culture, etc.) on the side?
What opportunities will be opened for you by majoring in French rather than majoring in something else and learning French (and France's history, culture, etc.) on the side?
Go to SB. You'll have a lot more fun and the program is still decent. I mean, the town of Davis is fairly dull in comparison to Santa Barbara (which can be dull at times as well, but "downtown" is usually quite fun at night). Great weather, fun town, great beaches, and the LA area isn't too far. Granted, San Francisco is a similar distance from Davis as LA is from SB.
Both are pretty good schools, but if I had the choice I'd go to SB over Davis, if only for the area. You're majoring in French, French majors are pretty similar at many schools. When you're applying for a teaching job or becoming a translator, or grad school, or whatever it is you plan on doing, the difference between SB and Davis is probably going to end up being fairly negligible, especially if you do well.
That said, if you're the type that is easily distracted by copious amounts of alcohol, the beach, or other things, SB might not be for you. However, Davis has a fair amount of its own parties.
Both are pretty good schools, but if I had the choice I'd go to SB over Davis, if only for the area. You're majoring in French, French majors are pretty similar at many schools. When you're applying for a teaching job or becoming a translator, or grad school, or whatever it is you plan on doing, the difference between SB and Davis is probably going to end up being fairly negligible, especially if you do well.
That said, if you're the type that is easily distracted by copious amounts of alcohol, the beach, or other things, SB might not be for you. However, Davis has a fair amount of its own parties.
SB is the nicer place, but Davis close to Sacramento
Maybe if you are interested in state govt and think you could get some sort of internship in Sacramento, then Davis would be the choice. Mind you, it's not that close that you'd want to drive everyday. (well, I hate driving more than 30 minutes.) I have no idea if it's easy to get govt internships either.
Otherwise Santa Barbara's the much nicer weather town that is close to the ocean.
Maybe if you are interested in state govt and think you could get some sort of internship in Sacramento, then Davis would be the choice. Mind you, it's not that close that you'd want to drive everyday. (well, I hate driving more than 30 minutes.) I have no idea if it's easy to get govt internships either.
Otherwise Santa Barbara's the much nicer weather town that is close to the ocean.
I thought the same, but interpreters do quite well if you get into the right place. Nevertheless, the ones saying UCSB because the kid will have more fun ... I agree college should be fun, but UC Davis seems to be slightly more serious. I stand by saying if he wants grad school for sure then UCSB for undergrad then UC Davis for grad. At least then he gets the best of both worlds and a fine education. UCSB's location is amazing ... you could go to Pepperdine or UCSD for similar locations and parties ... but at least UCSB and UC Davis are close-ish.
I got my degrees from UCSB and took classes in the French dept (my degree is not in French). I can say that the French department is first rate. PM me if you have any specific questions.
Interpreters do very well, especially if you can are certified to do it in court, at depositions, etc. They bill in excess of $200 an hour for those services many times. However, if you intend on staying in the Southern California area you might do well to take some Spanish courses as well.
Pepperdine... Parties? Never thought I'd hear those two in the same sentence. Pepperdine is a dry campus and their policy extends to any parties hosted by a student organization off campus. So, while Pepperdine students definitely party, you'll likely be doing it quite a ways from campus, at least if you don't want to get written up. It is a fantastic school and location, but it'll set you back like $50k a year if you live there, UCSB is far less expensive.
I agree with UCSD, excellent school and location.
I think Jessica's plan is a good one. SB for undergrad and possible Davis or an even better school for graduate. If you take it seriously you'll get as good of an education at UCSB as you will at Davis.
Certainly, but its difficult to go to a French university if you don't already speak French. Thats why many language majors study abroad in a country that speaks the language they are learning. Sometimes it can even be a requirement provided the school has relationships with schools in the country that allow students to attend there for the same cost as here.
I was accepted to both, and chose UC Davis, simply because the transportation to Santa Barabara is extremely limited. I'm happy with my decsion.
Davis is a great town as well, centered entirely on college life. The Davis bus sytstem, for example, is run by the UCD student govt. (ASUCD) and is entirely free for all undergrads. "Unitrans," as it is called, is also famous for its double-decker buses.
The campus also has a great "Activities and Recreation Center," offering everything from gym equipment to a rock climbing wall (again, free to ungergrads, with a few exceptions). The UCD campus is also home to the Shields Library, SciLec (the largest lecture hall on campus), "The Silo," and of course, the infamous "Death Star." ...As a French major, you would become well acquained with Sproul Hall.
I'll be more than happy to answer any questions about UCD and/or Davis. Just ask away!
Davis is a great town as well, centered entirely on college life. The Davis bus sytstem, for example, is run by the UCD student govt. (ASUCD) and is entirely free for all undergrads. "Unitrans," as it is called, is also famous for its double-decker buses.
The campus also has a great "Activities and Recreation Center," offering everything from gym equipment to a rock climbing wall (again, free to ungergrads, with a few exceptions). The UCD campus is also home to the Shields Library, SciLec (the largest lecture hall on campus), "The Silo," and of course, the infamous "Death Star." ...As a French major, you would become well acquained with Sproul Hall.
I'll be more than happy to answer any questions about UCD and/or Davis. Just ask away!
UCSD? Even the girls are wearing pocket protectors there, the place is so earnest.
Unless you count the wild flings when the lacrosse team plays (no football team for the Tritons--nobody was showing up). I hear they even put extra sugar in the punch and stay up 'til 10.
It is an absolutely tremendous university, though, but the party school in that town is SDSU.
I have to say that when I visited my friend at Davis, I was very impressed with the buses.
Now I'm not sure if Davis students can drive those buses like Muni or Berkeley AC Transit drivers
p) but the buses were very clean and seemed to be very punctual. I was there when there was a lot of fog in the afternoon, and combined with some of the older architecture, I could have sworn I was in Britain (except all the buses were on the wrong side!
). On topic:
OP, I think Davis is the better school on a number of levels (especially academics).
Party schools might seem exciting and thrilling when you're a senior in high school, but they're not a wise long-term investment. A school with a better academic reputation will get you more internships, summer jobs, etc., and prepare you for your future career(s) better because you will be in a more stimulating setting. Remember, not all UCs are created equal.
Plus the Davis campus is really quite nice, and rent is pretty darn cheap (at least compared to the Bay Area!
).
Good old London buses. I notice they also have red British telephone boxes too. A home away from home
.
I also am a student at UC Davis. Yes, it's a great school, but so is UCSB. You'd get a great education at both, so I think you're decision should come down to the environment.
Davis is a small town in an agrarian region of the state, but the presence of such a large university definitely makes it feel like a college town, rather than a farming town. Residents here really take pride in their city and try to protect local business (a few years back the most talked about and debated election item was about whether to allow a Target to open in the town, and it barely passed. It is planned to open soon but hasn't yet, and there are no other big-box retailers). The downtown area here is small, but it's nice, feels genuine, and its conveniently right across the street from campus. I highly recommend reading more on the daviswiki others liked to. It's a really good wiki that's absolutely loaded with interesting facts about the campus and town.
Essentially my advice is that if you like the small-town, more community-oriented feel, pick Davis. If you prefer bigness, shopping malls, and beaches pick SB. If you have other questions, feel free to ask me any more questions too
Davis is a small town in an agrarian region of the state, but the presence of such a large university definitely makes it feel like a college town, rather than a farming town. Residents here really take pride in their city and try to protect local business (a few years back the most talked about and debated election item was about whether to allow a Target to open in the town, and it barely passed. It is planned to open soon but hasn't yet, and there are no other big-box retailers). The downtown area here is small, but it's nice, feels genuine, and its conveniently right across the street from campus. I highly recommend reading more on the daviswiki others liked to. It's a really good wiki that's absolutely loaded with interesting facts about the campus and town.
Essentially my advice is that if you like the small-town, more community-oriented feel, pick Davis. If you prefer bigness, shopping malls, and beaches pick SB. If you have other questions, feel free to ask me any more questions too
I also am a student at UC Davis. Yes, it's a great school, but so is UCSB. You'd get a great education at both, so I think you're decision should come down to the environment.
Davis is a small town in an agrarian region of the state, but the presence of such a large university definitely makes it feel like a college town, rather than a farming town. Residents here really take pride in their city and try to protect local business (a few years back the most talked about and debated election item was about whether to allow a Target to open in the town, and it barely passed. It is planned to open soon but hasn't yet, and there are no other big-box retailers). The downtown area here is small, but it's nice, feels genuine, and its conveniently right across the street from campus. I highly recommend reading more on the daviswiki others liked to. It's a really good wiki that's absolutely loaded with interesting facts about the campus and town.
Essentially my advice is that if you like the small-town, more community-oriented feel, pick Davis. If you prefer bigness, shopping malls, and beaches pick SB. If you have other questions, feel free to ask me any more questions too
I would pick Davis. I see it as a more 'serious' school (Santa Barbara is known across the UC's as a party school), it is a nicer campus, and you'll meet a pretty diversified bunch of people. If you have any questions about Davis feel free to PM me.
- Class of 2011
I too face the same dilemma as you: Davis or Santa Barbara? It seems like Davis is far more isolated and only slightly better academically than Santa Barbara. I want to go to the school that will be both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable when not studying. Though I'm planning on looking at both of the schools during my Spring break, I was wondering if anyone from either Davis or Santa Barbara can tell me a bit about the schools, just so I can have an idea of what they're like before I visit. Thanks
From all I have heard all my life, they are both decent schools. It should ultimately come down to which school and surrounding area suits you better. I have been to both campuses but lived in Santa Barbara and I quite like being by the ocean.
The annual colleges series The Best 309 Colleges, or whatever they are up to now, has put UCSB on the prettiest campuses list. For some people, such a nice atmosphere helps where others may find it to be a distraction.
The annual colleges series The Best 309 Colleges, or whatever they are up to now, has put UCSB on the prettiest campuses list. For some people, such a nice atmosphere helps where others may find it to be a distraction.
Davis isn't the big city that Santa Barbara is, true; however, I'd say that's what makes it so special. The entire town of Davis is about the University; it is a college town. As a student, you're the demographic to which the city caters. You simply won't find that atmosphere in a big city like Santa Barbara or San Diego.
I wouldn't want to live in Davis for a lifetime (it's just not my preference), but it makes for a great place to go to school. Plus, if you need a big city, Sacramento is but 20 minutes away.
Plus, there's an Ikea just 15 minutes away. Trust me, that's pivotal for any college student!
Also, another aspect which I forgot to mention earlier: The Mondavi Center, which hosts numerous famous performers and lecturers. Two years ago, for example, Robert Ballard (famous for discovering the Titanic) gave a lecture here, and this summer the center will host Yo-yo Ma. ...Students receive a 50% discount to all events, I believe.
Davis is also celebrating it's centennial this year. If you plan on visiting, I highly recommend looking over this site, and perhaps registering for a tour. I found it very beneficial:
Thanks for the fast response Eric
Davis seems to be the better choice for me as of now, though that may only be because I know more about it than UCSB. I checked out the campus tour site, and will order the dvd ASAP. Though I was admitted as Aeronautical Science & Engr., I plan on switching to Bio major once I enroll. Btw--what did you major in and how do you feel about the professors you had?
Davis seems to be the better choice for me as of now, though that may only be because I know more about it than UCSB. I checked out the campus tour site, and will order the dvd ASAP. Though I was admitted as Aeronautical Science & Engr., I plan on switching to Bio major once I enroll. Btw--what did you major in and how do you feel about the professors you had?
Of course! how could I forget Picnic Day and the Whole Earth Festival?also lets not forget picnic day
It's worth noting that UCD has an excellent Bio program, with renowned schools of medicine and veterinary medicine, if you plan on taking that route.Thanks for the fast response Eric
Davis seems to be the better choice for me as of now, though that may only be because I know more about it than UCSB. I checked out the campus tour site, and will order the dcd ASAP. Though I was admitted as Aeronautical Science & Engr., I plan on switching to Bio major once I enroll.
Physical science. I've been very happy with my professors, but I'm sure the professors at UCD are no better than those at UCSB, overall. With any college you'll find professors you love and those you loath: it's just part of the game.