I recently got accepted into UCI for Computer Science and Engineering, however I had gotten into UCSD as undeclared due to the major of CS being so impacted. I dream of majoring in computer science but I have heard horror stories about how hard and rigorous the classes are. If I go to UCSD, I want to declare CS major but I heard it’s almost impossible to get into it. I’m from a high school with really low scores, 85% Latino populated, and i know that the classes/teachers here aren’t really preparing us for college. I don’t think I would do well adjusting in the first year of college which means I probably won’t get into CS major for UCSD. UCI would be a safe route because I already got into the major I want but I feel i might change majors if I can’t handle the CS classes. I know people have been doing CS since like 12 and I’m not one of them, so I would struggle. However, UCSD is a better school than UCI overall and if I do want to change majors I should go into UCSD undeclared and declare something besides CS. I’m not sure what university to go to… May i have some input from you guys? I would really appreciate it. thank you.
Campus wise, I want to be around an area where there are plenty of things to do. I have a car, long board, and a bike so I can go off campus to do something if I wanted to. I also want a place with a great place to study in, so which place has better study buildings? I’m a social person and last thing I want to be is in an antisocial place. I have full financial aid to both schools so tuition isn’t a problem.
It’s pretty hard to get into CS, yes. But whether you go to SD or Irvine, don’t go with the mindset that you’re gonna struggle. Yes, you’re gonna be challenged (it’s a challenging field and they’re challenging schools), yes there are people who have been coding since twelve, but even at UCSD there are tons of students from similar backgrounds to yours who work hard, learn well and eventually succeed. You have a leg up on them, too; you already know your high school is weaker and that you’re going to have to try harder. Take advantage of that knowledge! Maybe start coding in the summer or studying early. You’re the only person responsible for your failure or success.
As to whether you should attend UCI or UCSD, if you were more committed to CS I would say go to Irvine. Since you’re not sure, I’d visit both campuses on admit day/Triton Day before making a decision.
I’ve only visited UCI once and the surroundings seemed to be mostly strip malls and tech companies. I’m not sure what else there is to do around there, but it’s so close to LA that it can’t be that bad. The walkable area around La Jolla is super pretty but a little dead; there’s a beach ten minutes to the west, tech companies and hospitals to the north and east, and houses/malls to the south and southeast. Since you have a car, you’d be able to explore a lot more of San Diego, which is definitely worth it–you’ll never have an excuse for being bored. (Warning: UCSD might be limiting cars for freshmen next year and parking is an expensive shitshow) As far as better study buildings, Geisel Library is badass and probably can’t be beat. There are also nice study spots all over campus, like Galbraith Hall, Price Center commuter lounge, and the Rady library. UCSD is also social enough; if you’re even a slightly social person you won’t have any issues making friends or finding parties.
Let me know if you have any more questions about UCSD or college life, and good luck with your decision!