What are the awesomest University of California campuses?

[Bones2484]

2. There are many things that are obviously not portrayed in a ranking, even things such as public opinion of the school which does matter to some extent later on.
another thing is one of my ulterior motives for applying in the US in the first place. Namely that I'm considering going there for a graduate degree later on

Of all the ones you mentioned, UCLA has the best graduate school and one of the best in the US. Not to mention, it's the biggest "name" for reputation and resume-building.

[PLAYER57832]

Yeah, i'm not that bothered about that stuff(I went to Scotland for uni for god's sake, not exactly renowned for it's sandy beaches).

Problem is
1. There are many rankings, and the results often vary wildly from year to year and from ranking to ranking to such an extent that it makes you wonder if they're pulling those things out of a hat.
2. There are many things that are obviously not portrayed in a ranking, even things such as public opinion of the school which does matter to some extent later on.
another thing is one of my ulterior motives for applying in the US in the first place. Namely that I'm considering going there for a graduate degree later on, so this seemed like a good opportunity to get a taster and maybe make my life easier when I'll be applying for that graduate degree.That's another factor.

So yeah, i initially started this mostly in jest, but I figured wth, i might as well see what other people think about these choices.

#1 don't pay too much attention to the rankings other than just as a very general and initial guide.
#2. DO look into the individual professors if you can. I am not as clear on computer sci specifics, but if you can find someone who has published in what you are specifically interested in, that is a good sign.
#3. Not clear if you are an undergrad or grad and not clear on how big your school is. Each of those you mentioned are HUGE.. I mean, "get lost on campus" huge. Even so, the university life tends to be different. It sounds like Irvine, mostly a commuter school, doesn't have that. UCSB, I know does. Santa Cruz apparently does as well.

[bedub1]

If you plan on doing graduate school, you should typically try to avoid doing it at the same school you did your undergrad work at. You can do both at the same place...but I don't think it's looked upon as highly as if they are from two different universities.

[BigBallinStalin]

Go with Berkeley.

[Haggis_McMutton]

If you plan on doing graduate school, you should typically try to avoid doing it at the same school you did your undergrad work at. You can do both at the same place...but I don't think it's looked upon as highly as if they are from two different universities.

Yeah, I kind of agree, though most people here seem content with staying here. On the other hand this uni is actually quite good in one area that I might specialize in, so if I go in that direction it's probably going to be either here or a really top-class uni(CMU/Stanford/etc type thing), meh who knows.

Go with Berkeley.

I decided to change my major to LBGT studies so I could follow this advice.
Thanks

Also, I did 2/3rd of the thing last night but at 3:00 I decided to call it a night since I had an interview at 10:00. Now, in the morning, I notice that I've recieved the exact same URGENT email.
It's a fuckin' automated mail, I bet the deadline is actually in 2 weeks or something but this is the only way to motivate us lazy buggers to actually do it.

[PLAYER57832]

Just noted that you want to apply for graduate school here. Be aware that most schools want you to go to a different graduate school than where you went for undergraduate work (might not apply since your base degree with be from the UK). But, also you may NOT want to go to the "best" school for undergraduate work. This is because you will find many classes taught by graduate assistants. Sometimes that can be fine, but just be aware that is what will happen.

I DEFINITELY would look into CSU exchange programs. I believe there are some. However, not all of them are small, either. If not, UC offers a good education and a good experience.

The best bet is to find people who are attending or have attended.

Oh, one other note.. just a biased comment (take it or leave it). There is some difference between east and west coast schools. East coast schools seem much more oriented towards heavy memorization. This is less true out west. Out west, they want you to analyz things more. I base this on visiting professors we had, plus also professionals with whom I have worked over the years. The actual professor makes much more of a difference, and schools take all different tracks, but ... well, take it or leave it.

[BigBallinStalin]

Go with Berkeley.

I decided to change my major to LBGT studies so I could follow this advice.
Thanks

Also, I did 2/3rd of the thing last night but at 3:00 I decided to call it a night since I had an interview at 10:00. Now, in the morning, I notice that I've recieved the exact same URGENT email.
It's a fuckin' automated mail, I bet the deadline is actually in 2 weeks or something but this is the only way to motivate us lazy buggers to actually do it.

LBGT studies? You don't need a college degree for that--just a night out in town. =P

[Fircoal]

Where did you apply to/ did you get in?

[Haggis_McMutton]

Where did you apply to/ did you get in?

Got into Santa Barbara, apparently "my choice of courses fits best with that campus".

They've got pretty good research, especially in computer science(top 10 apparently) so I'm not complaining.

Also, when there's a site like this: http://www.thedarksideofucsb.com, you know they're doing something right. I love all the students blaming everyone except themselves for the fact that they choose to party instead of study.

Did you get in Berkeley?

[Fircoal]

Where did you apply to/ did you get in?

Got into Santa Barbara, apparently "my choice of courses fits best with that campus".

They've got pretty good research, especially in computer science(top 10 apparently) so I'm not complaining.

Also, when there's a site like this: http://www.thedarksideofucsb.com, you know they're doing something right. I love all the students blaming everyone except themselves for the fact that they choose to party instead of study.

Did you get in Berkeley?

No. I'm at Santa Barbara too. (was 2nd choice that I Wasn't conjsidering as much til the likely news hit me.) And yes it is very good which is why I'm not complaining either.

[PLAYER57832]

Congratulations to you both.

[safariguy5]

Nooo!!! Seems like nobody ever comes to Berkeley. I'd show you the sights. Seriously...anyone? I've logged onto CC in the library a few times, everyone either doesn't know what I'm doing or is too polite to screen peek.

[ViperOverLord]

You should have went for the cal state campuses for the better cost and the hotter chicks.

[Haggis_McMutton]

Nooo!!! Seems like nobody ever comes to Berkeley. I'd show you the sights. Seriously...anyone? I've logged onto CC in the library a few times, everyone either doesn't know what I'm doing or is too polite to screen peek.

You're at berkeley?

it's prolly one of the places I'll apply to for postgrad.

[safariguy5]

Nooo!!! Seems like nobody ever comes to Berkeley. I'd show you the sights. Seriously...anyone? I've logged onto CC in the library a few times, everyone either doesn't know what I'm doing or is too polite to screen peek.

You're at berkeley?

it's prolly one of the places I'll apply to for postgrad.

That I am, hope you get in. Love it here and I know the EECS is a great major. Dunno about their grad work, but I'm sure it's great.

[ViperOverLord]

Cal State Long Beach (Long Beach State), Cal State San Diego (San Diego State) for the hot chicks.

UC Irvine or UC Berkeley for education.

UC Santa Barbara for a happy medium.

[Haggis_McMutton]

Nooo!!! Seems like nobody ever comes to Berkeley. I'd show you the sights. Seriously...anyone? I've logged onto CC in the library a few times, everyone either doesn't know what I'm doing or is too polite to screen peek.

You're at berkeley?

it's prolly one of the places I'll apply to for postgrad.

That I am, hope you get in.

What are you studying? if you don't mind me asking.

Also, grad or undergrad?

Love it here and I know the EECS is a great major. Dunno about their grad work, but I'm sure it's great.

Yeah, it definitely is. Certainly top 10 in the world.

[bedub1]

Great pick with Santa Barbara.