UCSB vs. UCSC English

[peeta]

Hi, all. I'm having trouble deciding between UCSB and UCSB for english and time is running out. I'm interested in ethnic literatures and race theory. Both programs have faculty of interest to me and each have their own strengths: community activism at UCSB and creative writing at UCSC, both interests of mine and that would have a place in my work and research--I consider myself a less traditional candidate in that I'm coming from an MFA and am not necessarily committed to staying in the academy after my PhD. The programs have very different vibes: laid back and friendly at UCSB, definitely more aloof at UCSB, maybe even "cold" (I get the sense that'd I be on my own). Also, the money is much better at UCSB but I'm not a fan of Santa Barbara! I'm rambling . . . 

 

Does anyone out there have anything to add about the differences between these two schools in terms of their english dept. and what I'd like to study? Is one more prestigious than the other or would I be alright coming out of either of them? In which case, I guess I should "follow the money. . ."

 

Thanks so much. I'm a first time poster but long time "lurker." These boards have been immensely helpful to me throughout this process. 

 

 

[hj2012]

Hi, all. I'm having trouble deciding between UCSB and UCSB for english and time is running out. I'm interested in ethnic literatures and race theory. Both programs have faculty of interest to me and each have their own strengths: community activism at UCSB and creative writing at UCSC, both interests of mine and that would have a place in my work and research--I consider myself a less traditional candidate in that I'm coming from an MFA and am not necessarily committed to staying in the academy after my PhD. The programs have very different vibes: laid back and friendly at UCSB, definitely more aloof at UCSB, maybe even "cold" (I get the sense that'd I be on my own). Also, the money is much better at UCSB but I'm not a fan of Santa Barbara! I'm rambling . . .

Does anyone out there have anything to add about the differences between these two schools in terms of their english dept. and what I'd like to study? Is one more prestigious than the other or would I be alright coming out of either of them? In which case, I guess I should "follow the money. . ."

Thanks so much. I'm a first time poster but long time "lurker." These boards have been immensely helpful to me throughout this process.

I think you mixed up UCSB and UCSC a number of times there, so I'm not quite sure if I 100 percent followed your train of thought.

The salient points, if both programs seem like great fits: how much more is Santa Barbara offering you? I personally would follow the money if there's any significant amount of difference. Also, where would you like to spend the next 5 or 6 years of your life? Location is important, all other things equal.