Updates on the whole college admissions business
 

Hey GCers,

Well, I received some emails asking me to update you all on how everything is going for me college-admissions wise. So far, I've only heard from one school, my safety, where I got in. I'm still waiting to hear from other schools, especially my top three choices. I've been busy checking the UCI website daily, where they're supposed to post my admission decision. Unfortunately, they still haven't done so, being that they decide on a rolling basis (unfortunately i sent in my app on the last day). So far, I've already checked the UCI website close to a total of 30 times! :eek: Lots of my friends have already been accepted. It's very nerve-wracking to hear about all those acceptances, being that I still don't know. I'm happy for them, but at the same time, I'm jealous too (does that make sense?). They don't even want to go to UCI. I should hear from UCSB and USC mid-March or later in the month. Hopefully sooner than later. I'd rather hear sooner just b/c if I'm not to get in, than I can rule out those choices and stop thinking so much about those schools! I just want peace of mind, I guess.

In other news, I have total senioritis. I'm so behind in all my subjects! It's horrible, i have two major tests on thursday and I know absolutely nothing about the subject material! :eek:

Oh well, I do love being a senior though ;). I'm finally realizing how close graduation is and I'm a bit scared, yet sooo excited. I can't believe I've made it so far!

Well, I'll update again after I know more news! Thanks so much for all the support (you guys know who you are) you've given to me throughout this whole process. I can't thank you all enough!

Hey newbie,

Good to hear from you! I know how you feel about the college admissions process ... not knowing where you stand can be extremely nerve-wracking! We're all thinking about you, and our fingers are crossed. :D Keep us updated, sweetie.

Congratulations on your college acceptance! I hope that it is the first of many! So many wonderful things will happen for you in the next few weeks. Enjoy! :D

Dear Newbie,

We're pullin' for ya! You have all the prayers of my family too. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes, DZRose, Cream, and Carnation :D. They mean so much to me, b/c March is a very stressful time (and to think this is only the 5th of March!) and everything is so up in the air right now. I hate that! I like being in control ;).

Ha...I checked the UCI website just now for the FOURTH time today at school. I really have to stop. I just really wish I could know! Good or bad...just so I feel calmer.

Carnation, please please PM me to update me on how your daughters are doing. I would love to talk to them also! I'm sure your family is going through the same stress right now. I hope all is well with your family!!!

Thanks again everyone...it means a LOT! :)

Newbie,

Thanks for keeping us posted and congratulations on being accepted to your safety school! I was so excited when I got my first college acceptance b/c it meant I was actually going somewhere. Yippee! I still remember that feeling. I had it again when I got my first law school acceptance except that I cried that time b/c I was SO nervous that I wouldn't get into a single one of the 14 schools I applied to. LOL. I am the stress queen!

Anyway, if you need to vent you know we are always here. It's hard with rolling admissions not knowing when you're going to hear when your friends have already heard.

I'll be thinking of you!

Laura

Hey Newbie,

This must be "Professor Murphy's Law."

Our son has been admitted to the college and department he wants at his "safety" school as you put it.

He's been admitted to the Honors College, but not the program he wants at his number one choice.

No word from numbers two and three.

Then, out of the blue, comes a really amazing scholarship offer from a school he didn't even apply to -- for all intents and purposes a full ride academic scholarship. But he will have to apply for the department there.

Go figure.

Well, anyway, congratulations on your first acceptance, and good luck on the others.

Good luck, Newbie! I hope you end up at your first choice! We are all pulling for you. And, just think, only about 5 months until you get to deal with rush! :eek: (sorry, couldn't resist! :) )

Thanks so much Laura, DeltAlum, and Tracy!! :)

This is absolutely horrible. I'm completely obsessed with checking that UCI website. Well, I kept a mental count...I"ve already checked it ten times today! :eek: :eek: I'm just so scared and I just want to know so badly.

In fact, I've been comparing my own stats with those of my friends who were accepted (grades, SAT scores, extracurriculars, etc.). Terrible, I know. I don't know WHY I'm being so obsessive about this...all my friends are telling me to take it easy and just calm down. But, each passing day, I'm becoming more freaked out that I won't get in. I'm finding flaws in my essay, wishing that I had done better on my SATs, wishing that I had taken more APs, etc.

I know, I just have to BREATHE!!!

Two of my friends who have around the same stats as me got in, but I'm just terrified because I absolutely bombed my third SAT II subject test. Horrible results! I'm just hoping that some way, some how I can get in...

I'm sorry to write with such a panicky mood!!! Thank you all for listening and posting :D.

Well, now I actually have to start my homework which I haven't been doing for more than a week! Yikes!! I never thought that such a bad case of senioritis could happen to me.

P.S. Laura, so sorry...I will send you a nice, long email soon! Probably on Thursday (since I will be finished with my two big tests then)! Tracy, how did the Rosebud Salve go? :)

Try to remember that things will work out and they are out of your hands now. I know it is difficult when you are a control freak (speaking from experience here) but you turned in your apps and now the only thing you can do other than checking the website and mailbox is wait, wait, wait. You will make it through. I promise.

Don't worry about writing to me. Do your homework, go running, hang out with friends. Do things that will take your mind off of those pesky letters you are waiting for.

That being said, I hope you get the letters you want soon!

Laura

I'M SOUTHERN-CALIFORNIA BOUND!!!!!!!!
 

I'm SO HAPPY!!!!! :D :D
I GOT INTO UC IRVINE!!

:D

I'm just sooooo stoked right now. I checked about half an hour ago, not expecting anything, since it's a weekend and I don't think the Admissions Office works on weekends. I was sad that on Friday, I had checked, and nothing was up. I thought, "Well, I guess my decision will be posted on the 15th..." So I checked today just for fun. Well, right when I saw the words "admitted" and "congratulations," I just about shook the house by screaming and jumping up and down :) LOL. Then I proceeded to call my friends who were alerady admitted and then yell their ears off ;).

Well, thanks for all your support everyone!! I'm still waiting on USC and UCSB, but I can't tell you how stoked I am to be Southern-California bound -- that was my dream right from the beginning!!! I can now breathe a HUGE sigh of relief that I have indeed reached my goal!! :D

Newbie,
Congratulations! That is the best news! Enjoy it! :) :D :cool: :) :D :cool:

Congrats! :)

Congratulations Car!

I wasn't able to read this thread until today...and I am so happy that you got into UCI!

Great job!

CONGRATULATIONS, CAR!

I knew you would do it!!!! This is just the first of the many, many acceptance letters that will be finding their way to your doorstep! :D

When can I pencil you in for dinner with us? ;)

Carolyn!!!!!! I haven't heard from you in eons darlin! And now I know why, you've been going crazy with worry! No worries anymore darlin.....you're in!!!!!!

Congrats chicky....I know how hard you've worked over the past year to get in! :D:D I'm soooo happy for you!:)

PM me or email me soon, I wanna know what's been going on in your life (besides the obvious excitement of getting into UCI!:D) I miss chattin' with ya chicky!

YEAH!!!!WAY TO GO!!!!FELICIDADES!!!!


And I hear they have some of those fabulous girls of the wine and blue on that campus!!!!

I have read your posts and "watched" you grow for amost 9 months now. You are going to shake up the WORLD! I have NO DOUBT about that! Congratulations, dear one, I am so happy for you!

Thanks everyone for being so supportive!! :D :) :)

I'm still on my emotional high! I just got back from a celebratory dinner, and couldn't quit smiling throughout the whole thing, LOL. I'm STILL smiling. Nothing can wipe it off my face (well, maybe that I have two tests to study for, but that's OK...this has made my YEAR!).

Right now I think UCI is my second choice. More that I think about it, I'm not sure that UCSB fits me that well. Both schools have severe pros and cons, but I think when it comes down to it, I probably would like UCI more. UCI and UCSB have always been interchangeable for me in preference...I keep on switching my mind! (Which is weird because these two schools are total opposites of each other.) But, now that I've been admitted to Irvine, I don't really care that much if I'm not to get into UCSB. I'm just positively DELIGHTED (on top of Cloud Nine) that Irvine has accepted me. I feel on top of the world, seriously!!!! :D

Oh, LOL, I can also browse the UCI Greek Life website without thinking, "But what if I get rejected from UCI?"

However, I still love USC. I'm still waiting on that school! But, whether or not I am accepted to USC, at least I know that I'll be completely content as to where I'm headed this fall!!! :D And that feels wonderful, being that I had so much self-doubt this whole senior year.

Thank you again for all your kind words, everyone! And justamom, that was the sweetest thing I've read in a long time :D. Thank you!! GLG, I cannot wait to meet you! Sandy, did you know that I can't catch Days of Our Lives anymore? I can't get NBC anymore, now that they have switched channels! :( I also read Soap Opera Magazine and was sad to read that Belle is breaking up with Shawn :(. Sisterplum, it is SO nice to hear from you again. I will definitely email you soon -- watch for it! Carnation -- congrats on your cheerleading girls!!! You must be so proud! :)

Congrats!!!!!
 

This is a bit late, but Congratulations anyway!!!!!!

I'm excited for you! Wherever you end up, you'll do great I'm sure! :D

newbie,
I am so happy for you! You deserve it!! Congrats!!!! :cool:

Watch out Southern California!!!!!!!
 

Car...I'm so so so so happy for you!!!!! Congratulations honey on all of your success. Just think...you're just beginning. You're gonna knock 'em dead wherever you go. UC-Irvine is soooooo incredibly lucky to have you as a new student. Congratulations again and may you have continued success in everything you do!!!!!

Allison

Congratulations, kid. I have many friends that go to UCI and if you ever need some greek recs, you know you can always get in contact with me and I will give them a heads up for a wonderful girl coming through rush. ;)

If you end up at UCI, you'll only be a short drive away from me! Congratulations again. Savor the emotional high you are on right now!!

pbpck

Hi Newbie-

If you do choose UCI, I just want to let you know that I'm looking forward to seeing you during Recruitment. :)

Congratulations on getting into one of your top choices, I know waiting always sucks. Go take yourself out for chocolate cake to celebrate!

Thrilled...absolutely thrilled!! Sorry, this post is super long...
 

Hey all! [Warning...this is super long...sorry!]

I'm absolutely ecstatic! :D These past few days have been incredibly fantastic. Well, must start with the less-thrilling news, first, before I get to the interesting part :).

Yesterday, I got to my first class, and my friend immediately said, "Hey did you check online yet?!" I was like, "Huh? Why? What for?" She was like, "UCLA has their decisions posted up! So does UCSB, and UC Davis." I was like, "Oh, wow, really? I totally forgot about that...too excited about UCI!" LOL. I'm so happy for my friend, BTW...she got into UCLA!!!! That is her backup, though...she's waiting for Columbia and Georgetown (god, is she smart!). I really hope she gets in...she is an absolute sweetheart.

So, I left the next class - homeroom - early, to rush to the computer lab, where tons of seniors were clustered around the computers checking out the various college websites. First, I checked UCLA's. I knew I had no chance. Well, they had the letter posted up, with the "We regretfully inform you..." blah blah blah. I was not, in the least, surprised. I had only applied to please my parents, since my sister went there. I only worried about how my parents would take the news. Luckily, later in the night when I got home, they were totally cool with it, being that I had good news to eliminate the bad news about UCLA! So then I checked UCSB's. I was shell-shocked when I saw the words "Status: Not Admitted." I froze and stared at those words with absolute disbelief. I thought, "How the heck did I get into Irvine and not Santa Barbara?!" (BTW, I thought it was harsh that UCSB didn't at least post a letter with "We regretfully inform you..." - like UCLA had at least did. What a harsh way to let people know they're not accepted.)

So then I had to get going to my AP Econ class. We were taking a test yesterday, and all I could think about was, "Why didn't I get into UCSB?!" I totally seemed to forget that I had already crossed off UCSB from my list, after I got into UCI. I knew that if I were to go to UCSB, my grades would slip down the toilet...I'm very susceptible to certain environments. I was just shocked and disappointed. For so long, UCSB had been one of my favorite schools, up until I was admitted to UCI. So, it was just disappointing...I fought back tears as I took my Econ test.

After the test, I rushed back to the computer lab. I had tried - to no avail - to get into UC Davis's Admissions Status website before (when I was checking UCLA's and UCSB's), but they had changed their entire website just yesterday (or the night before), so it was extremely hard to find everything. So, finally, I found the Admissions Status website. I was absolutely ecstatic when my status page opened up with the words, "Congratulations!" I was thrilled. Immediately, my disappointment and confusion about UCSB's decision disappeared. I was like, "YAY!!! UC Davis accepted me!!!" I had always liked Davis, but crossed it off my list because I didn't think I'd get in. Davis is usually a LITTLE bit harder to get into compared to Irvine, but both schools are pretty much equal in quality.

So then, I went to my next class. I was so sad to see some seniors crying...they had not gotten into UCSB, Davis, and UCLA. One of the girls was so sad that she didn't get into UCSB. Like me, she was shocked. We both have relatively good grades, above average SAT I and II scores, pretty good essays...etc. Most think UCSB is a shoo-in. Now, all she can hope is for UC San Diego and Berkeley. Sadly, though, if UCSB doesn't accept a person, it's highly unlikely that UCSD or UCB will!

Throughout the whole day, I felt super happy, but the whole day was difficult for many seniors. Many were so angry about UCSB...if we get into Irvine and Davis, then UCSB's decision should almost be automatic. Seriously. However, I know there are many factors that go into a decision. It's shocking to hear of so many super-smart people getting rejected from UCSB (these people I know of have super high GPAs, great SATs, etc.). Those of us that weren't accepted to UCSB but to UCI, Davis, etc. have already formed a theory about UCSB's admissions. However, it's kinda mean so I won't post it here! ;) Weirdly enough, I know of only one senior who was accepted to UCSB...who wasn't accepted to UC Davis or Irvine! Strange, huh?

After school, I went to the mall. I saw girls that used to be my best friends (freshman and sophomore year) at the makeup counters, and I joined them. All had red eyelids, a result of crying. I felt so badly for them. Although we are no longer close, they are always people I will treasure. They all asked me to apply concealer to their eyelids, as their lids were swollen and puffy. They sadly/angrily told me they weren't accepted to any of the competitive UCs (so far). Now, they can only hope for UCSD, Berkeley, or Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo (not a UC). Unfortunately, though, it's extremely difficult to get into UCSD or Berkeley, especially if one isn't accepted to the other UCs. I didn't know what to say to them. I couldn't believe that they weren't accepted...all are extremely bright and talented.

Admissions is such a weird game. I say "game," because one never knows who will be accepted. I know of a person who wasn't accepted to Davis, with a 1450 SAT score (!!!!!) and a great GPA. I have no clue why I was accepted, if he wasn't. And of course there's UCSB. Such an outcry about them at my school. And then the other UCs...it's really a toss-up, it seems. Our school is basically in a state of shock over what has all happened to so many of our students, getting rejected, though with stellar stats.

I'm just so happy that I got into Davis and Irvine. I had worried about this for SO long, felt hopeless at times...worked so hard on my essay, always feeling it wasn't perfect enough...thought I would end up at my safety...berated myself for making stupid choices soph year that I thought would hurt my chances for admission... This just feels so incredibly awesome. I feel so blessed.

Gosh, I'm so sorry to go on for SO long! Hope you are all still with me ;). Just wanted to say that I feel so grateful that I have been blessed throughout this whole admissions process! I'm so ecstatic that I have a choice between Davis and Irvine now. Though I'm still waiting to hear from USC, now I don't really mind if I'm rejected from them. I feel that whatever happens, is meant to be. And I'm absolutely, positively thrilled that I might be headed for either UCD or UCI this Fall!! :D

Thank you all for your supportive, wonderful posts to me!! You all are above AWESOME!!

I heard that California schools look a lot more at and weight community service, activities involvement, and extra curricular stuff very heavily. is that true?

Congratulations on UCI and UCD - those schools are sooo lucky to have such an amazing prospective student!

Newbie, this is so fantastic! Will it be hard for you to choose between the 2? I'm so glad you could see that UCSB might not be the best choice for you...you know what's best, no doubt!

Wow, this sounds just like rush to me. Even though rush is really difficult here in the South, I think that the college admissions process is easier! What do you want to bet that there are tons of infuriated parents storming the doors of certain California universities on Monday?

Newbie,

Congratulations! Glad the trauma of waiting is over.

Quick update on our son whom I spoke of earlier. He has been accepted into the Musical Theatre program at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. They took 20 out of 750 applicants. That's great news. That and Northwestern were his top choices.

What made the wait almost unbearable is that for the programs he wants, he not only had to have the grades and test scores, but also audition for the departments. He's a National Merit Finalist, so the grades weren't a problem -- and he had a 33 ACT and 1530 SAT, so the tests were fine. Waiting for the audition results were pure agony.

Now we're waiting for scholarship decisions since he has been offered a full academic scholarship to another university. He could get one at Cincinnati, but we won't know for another week.

This is our youngest child, so this college admission thing is almost over, Thank God!

Have a great time in college!!

Making kids wait for this stuff is sadistic.

Newbie,
Been there, done that, bought the T-Shirt!
I absolutely know what you are going through with the whole UC application and acceptance process. I have a theory going that despite what the admissions offices say, that they actually just pull names out of a hat for the acceptance list. But seriously, you got into two very amazing schools so be proud of yourself! If you want to PM me, I will tell you my crazy story about my experience applying the the UC system, that will make you feel ten times better about your own. Anyway, congratulations you have accomplished an amazing feat and I wish you even more luck with all of your other decisions.

P.S. I heard the TriDelts at UCI and Davis are awesome!:D

Well, supposedly, here is how UC does admissions:

1) most importantly, grades and strength/rigor of classes taken (APs, honors, etc...they especially look at the context you are in...does your school only offer 2 APs or 20 APs?). Also, if there is marked improvement between soph and jr years, and a strong senior year (as in, classes taken). In addition, if the applicant has taken more courses than required by UC.

2) Test scores

3) Essay

4) Activities and honors...especially leadership positions. Special talents, work experience, perseverance in overcoming obstacles, significant community service

5) If you come from disadvantaged environments, that is a plus

So, yes, activities are extremely important. I know this guy who was rejected from UC Berkeley who had a 4.2 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, with 700+ on all three SAT IIs, but had little activities to put on his app. On the other hand, this guy with a 3.5 and above average test scores (but not stellar ones) got in but held many leadership positions. But, grades and test scores are much more important to UC than are activities. The essay is also much more important than activities.

This is from what I've read and heard from the UC Admission counselors.

Oh, and thanks for the congratulations Iowahawkeye! :D

Thanks everybody!! :D

Carnation, I think it will be hard to choose between the two. Simply because my parents are very intent on me staying close to home, and though both schools are supposedly equal in academic quality, one school does seem to hold a better reputation. Davis is one and a half hour away from my house, but Irvine will take at least 8 hours to drive to. Davis also has a very strong national reputation, while Irvine is less known, but still academically strong (I think because Davis has been around since 1905 but UCI just started in 1965). Also, unfortunately, at my high school ppl seem to think Davis is much better than Irvine (I have NO clue why). Our school, though, is a feeder school to both Davis and Berkeley.

I'm having trouble with what ppl think, unfortuantely :(. I think I am being influenced by ppl who think Davis is better than Irvine. I know I should just go with what I feel, but it is hard!! I think, in the end, I'll go to UCI...just because I'm much more of a city girl (though UCI is suburban) while UCD is soo rural (cows...yuck). I also love SoCal ;)!

I know what you mean, Carnation! People at my school are above infuriated. It is really sad to see!

DeltAlum, a big congratulations!! to you and your son! Wow, that is amazing...only 20 people were accepted?! I really hope everything works out for your family. Did your son get accepted to Northwestern? I really hope so. He definitely has the statistics to get in! Tell him from one high school senior to another, congratulations and good luck!! :D

TriDeltaGal, I too have heard that the Tri-Delts are awesome at UCI and UCD! :) The Greek systems at UCI and UCD are supposed to be fabulous! I will definitely PM you...I would love to hear your story! I will also tell you the theory my friends and I have about UCSB ;). Thanks for all your kind wishes!!

:D :D Sweetie, I'm beyond excited for you! You've come so far, and no doubt about it, like justamom said, you'll take the world by storm. You'll be an amazing asset to whichever chapter you join (cough go Theta cough ;)), and whether you decide to go to UCI or UCD, realize that both are amazing schools where you'll succeed regardless. I'm so glad that everything has turned out the way you wanted it to from the beginning. I so know how stressed and worried you were! But now the rewards are for you to reap, and the hard work you put in has now given you acceptances! And please tell your friends to not worry about SB. My coworker's daughter was also accepted to first-rate UCs, but strangely enough . . . not UC Santa Barbara. I don't know what's up with that. I agree with you that UC Santa Barbara's decision is almost "automatic," like you said, once you get into UCD and UCI. That is why I was totally surprised when you posted about not getting into Santa Barbara. Just remember tho that Irvine and Davis have infinitely better reputations than Santa Barbara. I have many dear friends that ended up at SB but their grades have fallen off the ladder, and they admit SB is only good for fun. If you have a susceptible personality, Santa Barbara would be a bad place to go, truthfully. So I think everything has worked itself out for you! I'm just so excited for you, C. You are an amazing young woman and all this good news couldn't happen to a more spectacular girl!
Please pm me . . . I can't wait to hear what your next step will be.

:)

Always,

Ang

PS: Edited to say, About picking a school just because others think it is better than the other school you are considering . . . please don't do it C. You are the only person who knows yourself best . . . your likes/dislikes, your preferences for living, social life, location . . . do not let something as important as a college decision be decided for you by somebody other than you. Do not let that happen, sweetie. You have come too far to let anyone else decide where the next four/five years of your life will be . . . and which school's logo your college diploma will hold. The rest of your life, as melodramatic as this sounds, will be determined by which college you attend. You will meet different people at each campus, find different interests, and grow in different ways. But, C. I have total faith that you will make the right decision for yourself!

I've made my decision...and could not be more thrilled!
 

Hey everyone,

So basically on April 1st (yesterday) I went to the UCDavis Open House. Before going to visit UCD, I hadn't been very excited about it, till the last few days before April 1st. I thought, hey, why not, keep my options open, you never know, yadda yadda yadda. In fact, when I received notice online that I had been accepted, I was just like, "Oh...that's pretty cool..." (with not much enthusiasm). But of course when the actual admission materials arrived I was much more happy about it.

Anyhow, for the longest time I had always thought of Davis as "cow country." All my friends told me what I had always thought was true -- that there's nothing to do there. A few years ago, while driving up to Tahoe, we passed Davis, and all I saw was an endless stretch of fields. I thought to myself, "How the heck can anyone go to school here and survive?!" (Bear in mind that I am Miss I-need-a-city-and-a-shopping-center-or-else.) So, when my dad and I were driving up to Davis yesterday, I didn't have high expectations. Basically, I was looking to hang out with my friends that go to UCD and just see what their campus looks like. The whole ride there from SF to Davis, I was kinda frowning, thinking how come everything seems so rural.

So I get to UCDavis. I am pleasantly surprised that the campus looks neat and nice. Nothing like a "cow campus." We park, go to a few information sessions, and then wait for one of my friends who's gonna give a tour. Right away I was like, "Now this is cool. I had no idea that UCD looked so nice!" All the way throughout the tour I kept on admiring the buildings and the beautifully vast lawns (not to mention the hotties that go there, but that's another story ;)). I kept on telling my friend, "Wow. Things are gorgeous here! How am I gonna choose between UCI and this?" She told me how she didn't like UCI when she visited, being that it looked so much like a bunch of office buildings clustered together and how Davis looks so much more like a college campus. I agreed wholeheartedly. The whole while I kept on telling her my concerns about both Davis and UCI -- the cons of each school.

So then we get to teh residence halls. I was very lucky to have my own personal tour guide, because she knows lots of people and got me in to see each dorm's rooms and atmosphere. I was surprised when we got to Tercero Dorm, and I diddn't even mind that there were some cows behind this barn-type building. (That is where UCD's agricultural students do some of their learning activities.) I actually thought Tercero was nice!! This was shocking to me, being that whenever I drive down to L.A. from S.F., I always wrinkle my nose in disgust whenever we pass by Fresno (you can smell the cows from your car window -- with it pulled UP!!). Then we went on to the other dorms. I absolutely loved it. I met a whole host of new people, all who were incredibly cool and welcoming. I especially love the suites, by the way!

So it was time for us to eat lunch (at a residence hall). Surprisingly, the food was not half-bad. It was actually pretty good. That lunch really was the key point of the whole day. It was at that point that I was really battling with myself, thinking, what to do -- UCI or UCD (or what about USC?)? I was so, so on the verge of buying a Davis sweatshirt right away. But, for most of the lunch, I just asked my friend to tell me her pros and cons about Davis and UCI. I shared mine, and then was like, "Hmmmmm...I guess I have to visit UCI again."

(My list for pros and cons were like this: UC Davis -- pros: beautiful campus, warm campus feeling, actually FEELS LIKE A COLLEGE CAMPUS, I feel at home, gorgeous lawns, strong academic reputation, strong quality-of-life ranking (in the Fiske guides and such), lots of diversity (which I love), everything's within walking/biking distance, convenient to shopping centers (easily walkable), nice dorms, etc. etc! Cons of UCD: close to home, not in SoCal, nearest city is Sacramento (sorry ppl who live there). UC Irvine -- pros: interesting psych program, SoCal!, Newport Beach!, people are friendly too, great weather, will be able to be more independent, near Disneyland. Cons of UCI: lack of college feeling -- definitely like an office building cluster; commuter campus, did not feel at home, it didn't feel like a college campus, I didn't think the campus was beautiful, LACK OF DIVERSITY, alumni seem less satisfied, quality-of-life ranking not high, lots of people transfer, need a car to get anywhere interesting.)

Then, a few minutes later, there was just something in my heart (as cheesy as this sounds) that told me that I could really imagine myself as a student at Davis. No need to visit UCI again. I just knew that I wouldn't feel so happy at UCI as I did at that exact moment in the Davis cafeteria. All of a sudden, I blurted out to my friend, "You won't believe this....but I am going to buy a sweatshirt right after this lunch." I asked my dad who was sitting across from us what he thought. He was smiling ear to ear (no surprise there!).

Yep, I think that this post is going to shock some of you all ;). My decision not only shocked myself, but everyone who knows me. I had never put UCD high on my list, being that I always perceived Davis as "rural, cow-country, boring" etc. etc. But now that I have actually visited the school, it is so much more like a suburban campus and not like a rural one. Where some people call Davis boring, I agree with the other half who say Davis is "peaceful." The campus is absolutely GORGEOUS, so relaxing, so incredibly beautiful (yes, I know i'm repeating myself--but it's true), and the people are so amazingly warm.

It's weird, I have to admit. I had thought for the longest time that if I were to get into any of my top three schools -- USC, UCI, or UCSB, that I would undoubtedly go. And yet, life is just so strange sometimes...I will be attending a school that I never considered, and yet -- I'm HAPPY with my choice! (I had thought I would only go to UCD if my top choices didn't work out.)

And here's the absolute kicker -- I haven't heard from USC yet. Yes, I bet amycat and lauradav and greeklawgirl and maybe pbpck have their eyebrows raised in disbelief! EVen if I am to be accepted to USC, I am going to attend UCD (unless something drastic happens). Reason? Well, I can't believe this myself, but I love UCD's campus atmosphere even more so than USC's. Plus of course there is that big factor called $$$$$$. And, one of the biggest reasons why? Well, because I love the town of Davis too! (Shocking huh?) I visited the town of Davis after making up my mind to attend UCDavis, and was very very pleasantly surprised (again). It is a GORGEOUS, charming town that I can't believe I ever discounted as "cow-country"! It reminds me of Carmel, California -- one of my most favorite vacation spots in the world. The town of Davis is just so amazingly cute, so welcoming-feeling, so charming...I could go on and on. And thankfully, they have TWO shopping centers and a Borders (which I can't live without) and all these restaurants...all easy walking distance from the dorms!!

And yup, I did buy two UCD things before leaving -- a T shirt and a sweatshirt! I'm returning to the campus in a few weeks to show my Mom what it looks like -- so excited!

(BTW, my dad and I went on our own little self-guided tour after my friend had to leave, and I checked out all the major facilities -- in one word, AWESOME.)

Arghhh!!!
 

OK if you GCers have not yet read my previous post (posted just a while ago) -- go back and read it, because this will not make any sense otherwise!


OK so now I am pretty steamed. My dad came home and he told me that my sister said I should think it out more. It pisses me off not because she said I should think about my decision more, but because it seems like she's not happy with it. Like yesterday, when I told her on the phone, she was like, "What?! Are you out of your mind? Are you thinking straight?" And after I explained WHY I made that decision she still didn't seem very happy with me. I don't know why.

Anyhow, she's now like, "But didn't you like UCI's psych major a lot? What happened to that?" Funny, because before when I liked UCI she was like, "Don't go there...it's a commuter campus, you won't be happy." :rolleyes: Now that I like Davis, she's pushing Irvine on me. And my dad was like, "Yeah, she's right we should gather as much information as possible to make the best decision."

But it just bugs me because before I visited Davis, I did SOO many comparisons of Davis and Irvine. I talked to my friends who go to Davis, and one friend who goes to UCI. (I also asked GC if any of you attend these two schools to get feedback.) Then, I went over academic rankings, fin aid rankings, quality of life rankings, etc. etc. I looked at cold hard numbers. I pored over the catalogs, looked at the schools' websites, talked to my teachers, and wrote down again what I was looking for in a school.

It's not like I haven't done my research. I have. I know this is the biggest decision I have made in all my years. I know how crucial this decision will be. I know that it will impact my future.

But it's just frustrating because now that i have visited Davis, I canNOT imagine myself anywhere BUT there!

I'm sorry, just trying to vent off steam :(.

Aww hun I think every one goes thru this with their parents. Like it is a hard time for you and your mom and dad. You are growing up they are saying good bye to their baby, it happened to me. what you have to do it follow your heart, you know where you will be long best go there!!! You are the one who will be there for 4 years not your mom and dad!!

You haven't heard from USC? That's ridiculous! I got my letter in early february. Well, regardless, I am so happy for you! I am glad you have made a decision that you feel right with. UCD is a wonderful school and from all the pictures I have seen of the campus, it IS gorgeous! You'll just have to road trip with your sorority sisters to So Cal!Your parents are just excited and nervous and want you to be where they feel you will have the best experience. Go where your heart is and explain to them that it is your experience and all the pros that you have listed about UCD. And tell them you will be close to home! That is usually wonderful for parents to hear. I feel as though we have all grown with you in this past year or so. I am so proud of all your accomplishments! Soon, you will be posting in the rush thread!;)

pbpck

Hey Newbie,

In the long (and short) run what is important is where you think you will be happiest -- not your sister. So Congratulations!!

To continue son Zak's saga -- yes, he was accepted at Northwestern as a dual Music and Psychology major. They basically offered no scholarship (need based only there), and with our financial situation, $37000/year is probably out of the question. He got a very marginal scholarship offer from the College Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, but an excellent offer from Indiana. He was also accepted at Boston Conservatory and we are waiting to hear about financial aid there.

Speaking of cow country, we're visiting Oklahoma University this weekend. He feels pretty much about it as you felt about UCD. It will be interesting to see if he likes it there. The full National Merit ride they offered would be a great relief, but we're certainly not going to force him to go there.

I talked to my dad the other night (he is a high school dropout) and he just can't comprehend that we may turn down a full scholarship. Different times, different generations.

Details at 11:00 as we used to say in TV.

Hey newbie!

Congrats!! I can relate to what you mean about the campus at UCI looking too "office-ey" - I've been to relatively young schools where all the buildings were erected at the same time, and it just seemed so sterile and cold. I love places where there are 150 year old buildings and 10 year old buildings side by side! Also, no campus w/ 20,000+ students can be that rural. If you really want to see cow country, come visit a few of the state schools in PA. :)

again, congrats!! :D

HELP!!!!!! I need your advice!!!!
 

First off, thank you to everyone who has responded...you guys have been so amazingly supportive and helpful!

OK now here is the BIG, BIG dilemma. I found out today that I was accepted to USC!!! The thing is though that I was accepted to their Spring semester, not their Fall semester. But whatever...I am just so happy to get an acceptance from 'SC, period.

The whole day today I kept on biting my lip and ppl thought I was sad over something...like a college rejection or something. But the thing is, I'm not sad...just worried. Really worried. Just yesterday I was so psyched about Davis. I still am (but less so). But now life's thrown a total curveball at me...I had not a FAINTEST idea that I would be accepted to 'SC...I didn't think I had a chance, and since I hadn't gotten a letter from them even after April 1st, I thought I was rejected. I almost completely convinced myself that I would turn down 'SC even IF they were to accept me, in favor of Davis.

But now that they have accepted me, I don't know what to do at all. Part of me is overjoyed...the other half is wondering, "what the heck do I do now?!"

For the longest, longest time USC was my dream school. Until UC Irvine accepted me...being that I started to doubt myself and almost convinced myself that USC would not accept me. For so many months, all talk about college led me to talk about USC-this, USC-that. My friends and family all thought I was over my head with my love for USC. I was (maybe still am?) completely in love with the school...for its strong academics, warm campus atmosphere, amazing looking architecture, wonderful alum connections, strong school spirit, and amazing sports teams. I thought that an acceptance from USC would be a dream come true.

And now that I have been accepted from USC, I have such conflicting emotions. These few months have really taught me how unpredictable life can be...

Now I can only wait for the fin aid letter. My dad is super proud of me, and my sister is too. My mother on the other hand thinks it's a curse that USC has accepted me. When I told her that I've been accepted she said, "No way are you going...you are going to Davis." The reason why she said that was because USC is so much money and we don't think we can afford it. My mom's even upset that we didn't qualify for aid for the UC system, so she thinks me liking USC is a completely lost cause. After I told her that I HAVE to wait for the fin aid letter to decide, she muttered, "Go ahead...keep on living in that complete fantasy of yours." She doesn't realize that a USC diploma has much more strength than a Davis diploma (in my humble opinion after researching schools). Also, all the college guides have said that "a USC diploma is like money in the bank" or "you can't go wrong with the Trojan [Alumni] Family."

So I have a huge dilemma in front of me. If I decide to attend USC, my dream school, I will probably be putting my family into a bad financial situation and possibly alienate my mother. It's a horrible feeling. I love my mother so much and I hate to hurt her. I don't want my family to suffer financially because of me. On the other hand, if I were to choose Davis, I will always wonder...."What if??????" Davis definitely doesn't have the school spirit nor the alum connections I like (compared to 'SC).

Maybe it IS a curse that USC has accepted me. Right now I feel like it is a no-win situation! I feel wonderful that they have accepted me. Now I just don't know what to do with that acceptance :(.

P.S. I'm sorry that I wrote here yesterday, being that I convinced everybody, including myself, that I was ecstatic about Davis! I still am happy about UCD, but now I'm wondering what to do. I've definitely learned my lesson not to post things that say "never will I...."

Oh my, what an issue!

Well, I would have to say that your family is the winner. If you cannot afford it, I wouldn't go. You will feel badly afterward. Unless you can work and help out?

Back in the day when I was in your shoes I went with my gut instinct and it has been geat ever since.

I wish I could offer more, but you can always transfer if you end up unhappy.

Good Luck! I think you will do well anywhere you choose!