Honestly almost everyone from my high school who went to UCSD is a biochemistry, biomechanical engineer, or other bio- major. It appears to have a very strong program. UCSD is known for it’s strong biological science and engineering programs here in San Diego. I don’t think it’s lacking in prestige. Perhaps it’s because I’m from California and not the East Coast, but I honestly can’t think of anything when I think of Duke and Dartmouth. I honestly didn’t know they were Ivy’s, and even so, I still have no impression of them. Good at sports maybe? But that’s all I know of them. This is just one opinion/perspective though, and as I said, I’m not from the East Coast so perhaps the reputation is different over there.