<p>I haven't been able to visit UCSD. My dad and I have been having problems for the past three years or so, and it basically prevented us from looking at schools. It took a lot of convincing to get him to take me to Reed and Willamette, and then he suggested going to UCSB. I can't get to UCSD before Friday...</p>
<p>Since the SIR doesn't need to be in until May 1st you still have another weekend to possibly visit if you can swing it. It's pretty easy to make a day trip by flying from San Jose to San Diego on Southwest or American. Of course, visiting during the week is a bit better since there are more students out and about then. If you don't want to fly it's about a 7.5 hour drive from San Jose to San Diego (I've done both many times).</p>
<p>UCSD is a large University so it'll certainly have a different feel than Brandeis. It's in La Jolla which is an upscale area of San Diego. It's on the coast and the beach is within walking distance. The water even gets warm enough in the summer to not need a wetsuit (I used to scuba dive in Monterey/Carmel - there's a big difference between the water/beach from Northern Cal to Southern Cal). It doesn't have the Ivy or gothic looking buildings and there's a fair amount of construction of new buildings on campus. Trivia - the library building, an inverted pyramid, was used in the movie 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes".</p>
<p>I highly recommend visiting the college you end up planning to attend before you commit since you'll likely spend 4-5 years there.</p>
<p>I'd also find a way to visit UCSD. The party scene clearly permeates UCSB.</p>
<p>What did you like about Brandeis?</p>
<p>I can't visit. My senior class is leaving on a trip on Saturday for about a week (after four years of fundraising). I really wish I could get down there during this week, but it's not going to happen with my sports and school schedule. Maybe I can find a good virtual tour or something online...
I liked a lot of things about Brandeis...the academics and location especially.</p>