By ABBY GROFF
Staff Writer
It’s college admissions season for seniors across the country which means it’s time to narrow our choices down to the most affordable and highest-ranking schools with great housing, students involved on campus, interactive clubs, and… mascots? Yes, college mascots! The most crucial factor in your final decision towards committing to a university. As seniors patiently wait for their responses from the UC’s throughout the state, let me help you consider which college mascot will give you the most bragging rights.
#9: UC Berkeley – Oski the Bear
This guy is way too scary for such a prestigious school. Literal nightmares.
#8: UC Riverside – Scotty Highlander
Another typical bear mascot, but generally lifeless. At least the name has something going for him.
#7: UC Los Angeles – Joe & Josephine Bruin
What makes UCLA better than UCR is the fact they have a girl bear. That’s all.
#6: UC Santa Barbara – Olé the Gaucho
As soon as UCSB changes their mascot to the Mapuche (raccoon) then they will take the #1 spot.
#5: UC San Diego – King Triton
King Triton is very fitting for San Diego. You don’t see him everywhere and he makes the school stand out.
#4: UC Davis – Gunrock the Mustang
Although he’s a horse, he is blue. And his name is sick.
#3: UC Santa Cruz – Sammy the Slug
Banana slugs, indigenous to the campus, make UCSC’s mascot perfect. Unique, yet not so far out there.
#2: UC Merced – Rufus the Bobcat
A bobcat is what UC Berkeley wishes it had. They’re tough, but also super cute. I love a good bobcat mascot.
#1: UC Irvine – Peter the Anteater
Where has anyone ever seen an anteater besides here? I LOVE Peter. This is the best mascot ever. Super underrated, unique, and he gives Irvine the best little chant at sporting events: zot zot zot!