Campus Visit Report: SoCal

With my Class of 2026 nailing their November milestones by submitting their applications, I knew that it would be the perfect time for me to hit the road (again) and visit a wide range of schools. This time, the compass pointed toward southern California where I have seen a recent increase in students being drawn to this coast.

So, I left my winter coat at home, packed some tee shirts, my sunglasses, and my orange college notebook and headed toward the Pacific to better understand the nuances of the schools in this area. Just like my Boston trip recap, my goal below is to give you a quick hit overview of what I heard, observed and learned during my SoCal college explorations.

Note: these observations are based on my recent experiences on these campus. I firmly believe that there are “exception” experiences to any college, so my advice is to use the below as a starting point for your own exploration, if these are schools you are considering. 

(In order from smallest to largest undergrad populations)

Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA; 7,000 undergrads, 68% CA/32% OOS)

Notable: Jesuit-based, midsized environment with a specialty in film production (10% acceptance rate) alongside 100 other majors. LA-centric industry connections and strong arts resources drive a creative culture. D1 varsity sports with notable resources and programs devoted to beach volleyball.

Caution: Location is literally blocks from LAX. Immediate campus setting is comfortable, but not many signs of college life outside the main campus.

Vibe: Relaxed, accessible and arty with LA as a playground.

Chapman University (Orange, CA; 7,700 undergrads, 67% CA/33% OOS)

Notable: A quaint, but resourceful, campus for community building and curious thinkers. Premier film and media arts program sits among a wide collection of programs of study. Students have access to impressive networks campus-wide, within industry, and abroad to make the most of their four year experience. Great shops and restaurants on the outskirts of campus in “the Circle”.

Caution: Minimal sports culture (D3), but campus life is very much built through student passion projects and self-engaged communities.

Vibe: Liberal arts minded, the “chill” SoCal way, matched with post-college ambitions.

University of San Diego (San Diego, CA; 8,800 undergrads, 59% CA/41% OOS)

Notable: Climb the hill to a gorgeous campus buzzing with undergrads comfortably living their best life - invested in the 4 year experience, driven to elevate their skills, expand their academic credentials, and make great friendships along the way. Very inclusive and friendly student body.

Caution: Proud Catholic roots, but with only 40% of students identifying as Catholic, inclusive environment for all religious practices and beliefs. Sports are present, but certainly not prominent. Smallest of the San Diego schools.

Vibe: Palatial campus with all of the comforts a college student would want.

UC-San Diego (La Jolla, CA; 33,000 undergrads, 79% CA/21% OOS)

Notable: Nestled in the woods of La Jolla, surrounded by architecture wonders and modern buildings poised to inspire and entice to enter. (Before you think it is too mystical, there is also a full “mini” Target in the heart of campus!) Strong academic programs and unique “college” subdivisions to help build community and make the large campus feel more manageable.

Caution: Student body was unapologetically “studious”

Vibe: Hard working students inspired, ala Dr. Suess, by the wonderous setting.

San Diego State University (San Diego, CA, 34,600 undergrads, 82% CA/18% OOS)

Notable: Accessible Aztecan campus with perfect pockets for academic focus complemented by a vibrant social community. Impressive blend of academic opportunities (R1 research, health sciences, business, engineering, hospitality are among the most popular) and supported by mentors (Sophomore Success program) to provide a full 360 college experience. Strong study abroad and prominent Greek life.

Caution: Less impressive surrounding area than other San Diego schools, but once you cross the bridge into campus you feel the energy. (Also, watch out for skateboarders, they are everywhere!!)

Vibe: A driven student body fueled by the sun.

I also stopped by and took self-guided tours of these two campuses:

UC-Irvine (Irvine, CA; 29,000 undergrads, 92% CA/8% OOS) : Wonderfully unique campus layout structured as a circular path (Ring Road) with Aldrich Park at the center. Schools and residential buildings populate the perimeter of the circle. Exceptional natural and health science programs. With 47% of students living on campus this is a blended residential/commuter campus known for economic diversity. Irvine is a comfortable and well-designed town with access to all of the SoCal amenities (parks, beach, ocean) within 20 minutes.

Cal State - Fullerton (Fullerton, CA; 35,000 undergrads, 98% CA/2% OOS): Located just outside of Anaheim, this campus is designed to support commuter students with especially impressive programs for first generation students and underrepresented populations (55% Hispanic and 57% female). Modern/updated buildings spread over a city park-type campus. Strong focus on affordability and access.

For those of you familiar with these campuses, what resonates with you? What surprises or differs with your impression? Please comment or set up 30-minutes to connect live with me.

If you are a current sophomore or junior in high school who is looking for support, coaching, or advising during this wildly wonderful time, please contact me directly at adam@maxcollegeadvising.com. I am an Independent Educational Consultant based in Boulder, working with students and families across the country. I was an admission officer at Emory University and have an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas. I provide personalized guidance and strategies throughout the college admission journey. You can find more information about my practice, credentials and philosophy at maxcollegeadvising.com.