<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I am a transfer student from CCC and accepted UCSD's offer of admission a few days ago. I'm an economics major. I really agonized over the decision of where to attend school, because I was accepted everywhere and they are all great universities. But ultimately, I decided that the suburban/beach atmosphere in La Jolla/San Diego was a better environment for me than the city settings at Berkeley and UCLA. When I visited UCLA, for example, my jaw was clenched the entire time because there was just so much brick, concrete, and noise. </p>
<p>I kind of figured (after talking to several people who had been through the process) that as an undergraduate, they are all great schools and I should just go where I'll be happy.</p>
<p>So I chose UCSD. But I know there's a caste system among the UCs, and that UCSD has a reputation for being the one that UCLA & Berkeley rejects go to. And I really don't want to spend my time with a bunch of people who are at this great school, but bitter because they didn't get into whatever other school they deem to be better.</p>
<p>I'm going there no matter what. It's an absolutely beautiful place and I've been considering UCSD since I was twelve or thirteen. But is it really that crazy to turn down UCLA and Berkeley because I feel I'd be happier at the beach?</p>
<p>You are not crazy.
Some people do that too.
Last year, I got in to every UC and I choose UCSD for Aerospace Engineering.
My friend, two years ago did the same for Bioengineering.</p>
<p>UCSD is uber competitive so, in that area, you shouldn’t have a problem.</p>
<p>You do realize that UCSD is not right on the beach, right??? You can take a car down to La Jolla Shores via Torrey Pines road.<br>
UCSB is right on the beach. UCSD-you need transportation-bus, bike or car.</p>
<p>Thanks seniorsfo! It helps to know there will be other people there for whom UCSD was their first choice.</p>
<p>aunt bea: Yes, I know that. No need for excessive punctuations.</p>
<p>Nah bro. It comes down to what you value. That being said, I think you’ve deluded yourself to some extent as far as the beach goes. While some people go to the beach quite often, most people only go once or twice a year because it’s hard to make time. </p>
<p>From what my friends tell me about Berkeley the academics are intensely stressful. The university has had quite a curious effect on my friends-- some are thriving because of it while some were defeated by it (2.0 GPA’s in engineering/ any plans of law/med school have been stamped out). Although SD is by no means easy, I’ve never experienced the level of stress my Berkeley friends speak of. </p>
<p>As for bitterness, there’s no denying that some people are bitter. However, I think most people get over it. </p>
<p>Also, this is undergrad, so if you plan on pursuing a graduate degree at a top school it may be easier to attain a better GPA at SD. The downside is while UCSD has a pretty decent Economics department, you have to proactively seek out internships since the majority of recruiters come for CS and engineering majors. </p>
<p>Good luck man! And congrats :)</p>
<p>I chose UCSD over UCLA and Berkeley, and I know many other people who did the same. The only time I ever regretted it was when I visit home, since the commute from Berkeley would have been much shorter =D</p>
<p>good for you! some of the reasons why I am enjoying UCSD right now (transferred a year ago, mech eng. major)</p>
<p>pre-transfer gpa: 3.78; uc-gpa (1 year): 3.81; uc-major-gpa: 3.92 (all upper divs except 1)</p>
<ol>
<li> good balance between beauty and brains</li>
<li> under-utilized research/lab opportunities</li>
<li> not-as-competitive; have found myself enjoying the greener side of the curve</li>
<li>sun god festival</li>
<li>sdsu is nearby</li>
<li>great weather</li>
<li>about to publish a paper, as first-author; as undergrad</li>
<li>faculty from many institutions; UCLA, cal, MIT, etc. etc.</li>
</ol>
<p>college is what you make of it, no matter where you go. some people have the resources, and hardly achieve much compared to those who shine as the underdog</p>
<p>Why would being SDSU be something you like? Would it be the girls?
I dunno lol</p>