Is UCSD a mediocre school?

I know UCSD is a great school and I’m so grateful to have been accepted OOS for Biochem. Anyways, the problem is, my mom keeps teasing me basically for only getting into “mediocre schools”, and not getting into an Ivy or something of that caliber. How do I get her to change her perception of this school? Is acceptance something to even be proud of or is it just “whatever”? Thanks.

Speaking on behalf of the many people to not get into UCSD, being accepted is certainly not “whatever”. Many people who have tried really hard to get into UCSD have failed, so being accepted is definitely something to be proud of.

What UCSD lacks in athletics and campus life, it makes up for in academics. According to USNews, it is ranked #10 globally for Biochemistry. (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/biochemistry-rankings), ranked above UCLA and several Ivy leagues.

Of course, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Ivy League schools are seen as more prestigious to many people. But still, this college is certainly better than the average public school.

okay, no offense but your mom sounds horrible.