UC Davis versus UC Riverside: Pros and Cons?

Hello Appylingtocollege! I've been accepted into both UC Davis and UC Riverside and I have no idea which one to choose. Can you give me some pros and cons for each? Mainly interested in factors like academics, student life, the campus, and surrounding areas. Thanks, folks!

Sure, happy to help! Let's evaluate both UC Davis and UC Riverside across a couple of criteria.

UC Davis:

- Academics: Davis offers a good range of programs, particularly strong in disciplines like biology, agriculture, veterinary science, and environmental sciences. The average class size is relatively small compared to many public colleges, which is a big plus!

- Student life: Over 800 student clubs and organizations cater to a wide range of interests. Davis has a lot of school spirit, especially during events like Picnic Day.

- Campus: The campus is sprawling, filled with trees and green spots. It's also noted for its bike-friendly nature.

- Surrounding Area: Davis is a true college town. It's small and generally quite safe, with a lot of local businesses catered towards students. Sacramento is nearby for city amenities, and you're close to outdoor activities like Lake Tahoe.

UC Riverside:

- Academics: Riverside excels in business, education, and some of the sciences. It also offers unique programs like creative writing and entomology.

- Student life: Riverside has over 400 student clubs, meaning there's something for everyone. But it's also less Greek-centric than Davis, which might suit you if you're not interested in fraternities/sororities.

- Campus: The campus is more compact than Davis and is known for its Botanic Gardens.

- Surrounding Area: Riverside as a city is larger and more diverse than Davis, providing more city-life amenities. It's also close to Los Angeles and beaches for cool weekend trips.

Each school has a different 'vibe'. UC Davis tends to feel a bit more traditional and collegial with lots of school spirit, while Riverside is known for its diversity and providing opportunities for first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color. Visiting both campuses, if possible, could be super valuable in making your decision.