<p>So I'm currently a freshman student at UC-San Diego, and have been here since September 16th. A school of 20,000 + undergraduates, the weather's temperate, the beach is maybe 3 minutes away, and the academics are stimulating. It's incontestably a top UC and it shows. </p>
<p>However, before I actually came to UCSD, I was dreaming of a completely different environment. I envisioned myself at a small, reputed liberal arts college back east with ivy-covered walls, rigorous academics, and top-notch professors. I applied to two, arrogantly assuming I'd get into both and was rejected by one and waitlisted at the other.</p>
<p>Undeterred, I tried everything within my power to get off that waitlist. I sent letters, e-mails, writing samples, had others write recommendation letters, was in consistent phone contact with the Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, and I even made them an original DVD movie showing how much I wanted to go to their school. </p>
<p>They put me on a summer waitlist and from April to August, I was having atypical sleep cycles, a never-before-seen case of acne, not eating well, and I was simply rude and ornery at home. Life was miserable for me. </p>
<p>So as you can imagine, when I heard the final word in August, heartbroken was an understatement. </p>
<p>Now, after almost 2 months here in a city 1.5 hrs from my house (a HUGE initial deterrent for me) I know that I am ready to leave. I've made good friends and have a solid routine going for myself, but it just doesn't feel right. </p>
<p>I'm hoping my grades are adequate for a transfer as a sophomore next year. I might try to apply to two other schools for good measure. One thing I haven't mentioned is that money is an issue, as I have a twin brother who's also in college. So even if I do get in and the financial aid package isn't sufficiently generous then I can't go.</p>
<p>Anyway, the main purpose of this long-winded post is to see if I even should transfer, as UCSD will be very good for me monetarily (half the price) professionally (worldwide UC recognition and more opportunities to build up my 'international' r</p>