<p>I've ensneared myself in a conundrum of proportions unequaled by the mass of a Schwarzchild black hole. To put it simply, I have been admitted to my top two schools of choice: Harvard University and UCSD (psychology, pre-law). Harvard has always been my dream school, but UCSD is just located in such a beautiful place and (according to what I've heard) hosts a very socially appealing atmosphere. However, as my parents make less than the $40K salary requirement per year, Harvard is offering me a free education! Nevertheless, UCSD is very close to the beach, and I am very much looking forward to learning how to surf and swim. I really would love to go to Harvard, and I believe it would be a great opportunity, but I am very worried about the weather and location (I'm already used to the sunny weather of Southern California). Furthermore, I feel that since UCSD has such a booming population, I will be able to make more contacts for the future than I would a Harvard.</p>
<p>Can anyone help me out in this situation? I truly am stuck and do not, by any means, want to make the wrong decision. Thanks a lot! And congrats to those admitted!</p>
<p>I would go to Harvard without a doubt. (And in case you are wondering, I am not/will not be a Harvard student next year.) Though UCSD is highly thought in terms of rankings, virtually every single review I have read about it is highly negative. Not just one or two bad things, but not really a single good thing to say about it. They have an interesting college system for undergrads but I have heard that there is a TON of bureacracy and red tape, and that the place is not what it is cracked up to be. And I can guarantee you that you will make more connections at Harvard than UCSD; the population growth of the area doesn't affect potential connections you can make.</p>
<p>If you have your heart set on the beach, go to Harvard and then become a beach bum! But don't let silly things like "close beach access and surfing opportunities" decide where you will be for the next 4 years. If those are your priorities I would suggest taking a gap year (and learning how to surf/swim etc.) or just skipping college altogether!</p>
<p>Harvard is just on a whole separate level than UCSD. Anyone can go to college to hang out on the beach, etc. Harvard is an amazing school, and would present many many more opportunities for you. Maybe just not opportunities for surfing and swimming.
I would go to Harvard, no question. I mean, you have your whole life (after college, etc.) to hang out on the beach and whatnot. But I doubt you will have another chance like this - a free education at the most prestigious college in the United States.</p>
<p>ucsd is by no mean a social atmosphere from what i heard. UCSD stands for UC Socially Dead. a lot of students there go home during weekend, so the dorms empty out.</p>
<p>Harvard Hopeful: Just to comment on UCSD, there is a thread on CC somewhere at the moment about someone whose friends all transferred out, and who is also considering leaving, due to complete lack of social scene. Apparently UCSD is actually unbearably dull, has terrible campus culture etc.</p>
<p>I disagree with the comments on UCSD. It is beautiful. It is a bit crowded, and they have several areas under construction right now. They have been expanding a lot the past several years. It is very socially active.</p>
<p>I just rejected UCSD and its regent offers, do it soon if you are sure you're not going to go there, there are a lot of desperate people filing for appeal...</p>
<p>Wow...is that a question? I guess getting a second or third rate education at a school that is known for a questionable social life deserves the attention of someone who got into possibly the best school in the world. But then again, maybe not.</p>