Hello,
I have been admitted to both UCSD and USD, still waiting on Scripps College (pretty confident I will get in) and I need some info to make the best choice. Academically, I guess UCSD is the best, but I am second guessing it since I think I would be a better fit for a private and smaller college. Also, I am planning on majoring in Neuroscience (Physiology and Neuroscience at UCSD) and study abroad is a must for me. Any suggestions?
I don’t recommend the large campuses like the UCs. You are just a number to them in a classroom of 500 students. Scripps is a better choice due to smaller classes and the school nurtures character. The consortium allows you to enroll to the other 4 schools.
Both USD and Scripps College Cost of Attendance will run approximately $62K, while UCSD will be around $31K! Large class sizes tend to be an issue during your Freshman and probably first semester of your Sophomore year. I would take large class size for 2 to 3 semester to save $30K per year in Tuition. I guess one has to balance the cost differential between UCSD and the other two Privates with the “fit” factor. For a lot of (most?) College Students, Tuition/Related cost tend to be the prevailing factor in the decision making process.
Have you run the NPCs? How much would each cost?
I’d pick Scripps too, because you’ll get interactive classes and personal attention, but amazing research opportunites and a 6,000 student campus, plus terrific alumna network. Academically, it’s about the same level as UCSD.
USD should be out of the running - not academically comparable to Scrippsnor the UC plus lousy FA.
UCSD student on the Scripps College uh oh :stuckouttongue:
UCSD is a solid school for neuroscience. In addition to the massive research budget, there are four hospitals walking distance from campus and a medical school (so if you’re planning for grad/med school, research and volunteering opportunities galore).
Unlike most large public universities, UCSD has the six college system which really increases the sense of community and creates a more intimate atmosphere. While you definitely won’t get the class sizes you’d get at Scripps (until junior year), you can get to know your college provost, deans and academic advisers pretty well. You also see a lot of familiar faces in your corner of campus. Lower division classes are huge (closer to 200 than 500 lol) but if you attend office hours and make an effort, you can develop a relationship with any professor.
UCSD also has a plethora of study abroad opportunities (I can’t compare them to those offered in Claremont since I don’t know anything about the latter program, sorry). One of the benefits of a large university is that through the UC Programs Abroad Office and UCSD’s own International Center, you’re quickly connected to hundreds of other universities around the world. http://pao.ucsd.edu has more information.
I don’t doubt @MYOS1634’s statement that Scripps has a solid alumnae network. However, I feel obligated to point out that UCSD graduates a lot more people per year, so despite being younger the university has a much larger alumni base. I don’t think it’s as tight-knit as Scripps’s, though.
What are some of your other criteria for choosing a college? I’d be happy to answer any questions you have regarding UCSD or La Jolla. However, both of these colleges are an excellent choice and you really can’t go wrong. Congratulations on your acceptances and good luck with your decision!