The University of California - Santa Cruz

Date: Mar 23 2004
Major: Anthropology (This Major's Salary over time)
Going to UCSC is like no other college experience. I got in to Berkeley, but chose Santa Cruz because I went to a really competetive, preppy private high school and I wanted a "different" college experience. Well, different it was. Most of the time I was at UCSC I wasn't very happy. But looking back on it now it was an amazing experience and I think I got a solid education that taught me to think outside of the box. I also think that I learned so much more about myself and who I am, what I believe, than a lot of my friends that went to party schools like UCSB or CU Boulder.

I didn't feel very challenged at UCSC, but you really get out of it what you put into it. It's not that the academics are weak, it's just that the pace and the expectations are … let's just say "more relaxed" than a school like Berkeley. Some of the UCSC faculty are excellent and the students are engaged in the material, so you can participate or not. I found the narrative evals very satisfying, and I've been told that grad schools hold a grudge against UCSC undergrads because of the narratives, but I'm now a graduate student at UC Berkeley and I didn't have any problem getting in.

UCSC definitely isn't a party school—people sit around and smoke pot a lot and talk. In general, people seem to be a lot more serious about their studies and the world and politics and such than partying, although off-campus house parties are common. It's tough if you're looking for a really active social life—especially if you live on campus and don't have a car (then you're stuck). The female to male ratio is 3:2, which means there's a plethora of intelligent, cool women and a bunch of skinny, dorky guys (not that there's anything wrong with dorks, just don't expect a lot of hotties). If you're a woman, just pretend you're at a women's college and you'll be fine. Also, if you're a white "free-thinking" peace-love type you'll fit in just fine. UCSC is predominantly white, especially on the Cowell/Stevenson side—the school is supposedly working on this problem. I found this a little annoying, because everyone thinks they're so open-minded and liberal, but no one wants to talk about the fact that they hang out with only white people. If you're not white, just be aware that you will feel like a minority—although you may be somewhat exoticized by white hippies at the same time. People on campus are generally nice, but there's a lot of hypocrisy and "I'm-so-cool" attitude.The school is a lot more open-minded than the town, however, which can be outright racist in some parts. There's a major tension between the university and the town, which tends to be more of a working-class, skate/surf rat, white power kind of vibe.

I don't want to scare you away, just be aware of what you're getting into. Other than all that, it's a beautiful campus and the surrounding town has great hiking and beaches. People are generally pretty cool, progressive, political, laid-back. A great town to bike around. Whatever happens, it will be an experience you will never forget.