<p>My first choice was UC San Diego but I hear that it's really boring and that you can't have much fun. But the neurobiology there is really good (which is what I want to pursue). On the other hand, UC Irvine isn't ranked as high as San Diego but also has a strong neurobiology department and I don't know how much fun it is. I don't know if they have lots of parties in Irvine. Now I'm not very picky about having fun but I don't want to go regret going to a certain college.</p>
<p>If you are referring to behavioral neuroscience, there is not much of a difference between San Diego and Irvine. They are ranked 3rd and 5th, respectively. Both are fantastic schools in this field. I notice that Irvine is listed as "Department of Neurobiology and Behavior," so maybe it's the same thing.
Behavioral</a> Neuroscience - Psychology - Best Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report.
Nevermind if this is the wrong discipline.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I think it's really just a personal preference. The overall difference in ranking is rather insignificant. I am led to believe that Irvine is a little better socially, but that difference is probably small, too. I would visit both campuses and decide which you like more.</p>
<p>However, here are a few things which I personally like about Irvine over San Diego:</p>
<p>1) By almost any measurement, the campus at Irvine is a lot better. It's prettier (visit Aldrich park), it's better designed (everything is in a circle and this minimizes the distance between different areas), there is a lot of construction going on, which means many brand new buildings.</p>
<p>2) The administration and faculty at Irvine seem to have very high ambitions for the school. I know this is probably true at San Diego also, but I see more implementation here. For example, there is a new law school opening next year with renowned faculty, there are numerous (eight) capital projects on campus (as stated above), a new medical center just opened, there are numerous outreach programs on campus targeted at local high school students, and many other things which I could mention if you would like.</p>
<p>3) I think the area around Irvine is superior. Disneyland is a short drive away. Los Angeles is certainly much closer than if you are in San Diego. Both have the beach close by, but I think many people would agree that the towns of Newport and Laguna Beach are a lot more interesting than anything in the La Jolla area.</p>
<p>That's just my take. I am, of course, biased as a student at UCI, but I think you should give both schools a hard look.</p>
<p>He's talking about neurobiology, not behavioral neuroscience. Huge difference b/c this forum's for undergrads.</p>
<p>As I noted in my post, I made the connection because the ranking lists UCI's ""Department of Neurobiology and Behavior." I know this is a graduate ranking, but specific undergraduate programs are not ranked and graduate programs can be an indication of the quality of undergraduate experience in the same department.</p>
<p>Anyway, this Department is very strong at UCI.</p>
<p>Btw, here's the link to the undergraduate Neurobiology major offered:
Neurobiology</a> and Behavior, UC Irvine</p>
<p>most of UCI's bio and chem (organic at least) are highly ranked, graduate school wise.</p>
<p>at the OP: piece of advice: dont pick a school based on your major. a lot of kids end up changing majors, even if its from really similar fields. ie. mechanical engineering --> physics or something. pick the school that you like/feel good at.</p>
<p>at sndbrosse: the recent budget cut backs have halted construction on two buildings and possibly more, though those had "enough" private funding to keep the construction going. the university is currently deciding whether to pay for construction out of its own pocket or try and wait for state funding again. (I believe its on the front page of the school newspaper)</p>
<p>Um, posting this on UCI thread will definitely get Pro- UCI'ers to throw everything they can to convince you to go to UCI..</p>
<p>From what I hear, there isn't much to do at UCI unless you join a frat/sports and whatnot just like UCSD.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that I am at UCSD, I would definitely choose UCSD over UCI for the following reasons. I just thought you may need a UCSD student's opinion now:</p>
<p>Biology is very strong at UCI, but it is impacted now at UCSD because of its popularity with all the Premeds here... Why are there so many premeds here? There is an unbelievably large amount of resources for premed students, not to mention our biomedical and bioengineering resources being ranked top 5 in the nation (according to USNWR) right behind Johns Hopkins and maybe UPenn? I didnt memorize the rankings exactly.</p>
<p>No doubt about it, there are rumors floating that there is nothing to do at our campus however I do believe I hear the same stories about UCI. To be honest, this will only come from the people that don't really know HOW to have fun at our campus. There are many clubs you can join and there are parties (off campus due to the strictness of Officers here). You just have to put effort into having fun. It won't come to you when you sit in your dorm all day. This could potentially be the same person at UCI. It's just about who you are and what you like. </p>
<p>I just want to add the reason I'm actually posting this on a Saturday night is because I have a Paper due monday that I need to perfect so don't get the wrong idea about me... I will finish it soon lol. </p>
<p>Your overall decision shouldn't be made based on the amount of fun you'll have since you can determine that anywhere. I actually feel bad for the very few ppl I know that chose UCI over UCSD and didnt get what they were looking for. </p>
<p>Also, if you believe the prestige difference isn't that convincing... I'll tell you that being at UCSD, the UC system itself puts us in the same tier as Berkeley and UCLA, in which the professors, researchers, administrators will always compare with Berkeley for example and look at UCI/UCD/UCSB as if they are still a step behind us. Again it is controversial on the fact that we don't quite measure up to B/LA because of sports, it is well said by most people from UCSD, UCB, and UCLA that UCSD gets the upper hand with the overall prestige of programs compared to those of UCI/UCD/UCSB apart from a few specific things like...... agriculture at Davis.... but yeah I personally dont care for that lol. (lets just say... go look at some Medical school admitted students... you'll find alot more ivy league and UCSD/UCB/UCLA students). </p>
<p>UCI is a VERY clean campus. It's a great campus at that but then again, my biased UCSD pride kicking in, so is ours. :). I personally like the Big campus feeling and I thought the round campus of UCI would be too boring. Others may think differently though. I liked the thought of our area being alot more attractive than Irvine. The beach is only a 15 minute walk away.. and cmon... who doesnt like Friday bonfires on the beach and drinking some... nevermind lol. </p>
<p>Alright, thats enough for now. Again, my post is biased because I attend UCSD and also because I'm the type that likes to have fun here and there which I'm picky about like you and at the same time, fulfilling my Bio degree as premed... which, not to mention is NOT easy at this school. I was in your situation when I heard about UCSD not being fun or whatnot. I know some of those ppl who will say that but... cmon.. the lot of them are hyper geeks who had dreams and aspirations about getting laid in college but would rather play WOW on weekends and complain about not getting with girls because of it haha. </p>
<p>Wow ok, back to my paper. Good luck and feel free to post questions/responses to my opinions above.</p>
<p>Of course everyone posting here will be pro-UCI. I think the OP realizes that. I acknowledged that my opinion was biased in my post.</p>
<p>Look, I know there is a lot of discussion about the "three tiers of UC schools" and how SD should be in the top tier, but to say that UCSD is on the same tier as UCLA and UCB is a pretty disingenuous statement, I think.</p>
<p>I'm not saying it is not an incredible, fantastic school that has many praiseworthy attributes, and that has a great future.</p>
<p>But let's be realistic and I think the previous poster will agree with me if he's honest: very few people view SD as highly as Cal and LA, except perhaps SD students. And these differences do not stem merely from a difference in athletics. That is a fact.</p>
<p>I note this not to be a jerk and to tear SD down, but because I don't think iceystunt should be mislead.</p>
<p>@sndebrosse: yes I agree with you. Don't get me wrong, I think most people know that UCB/UCLA rule the UC system. I just emphasized that our school itself (academics,programs etc) try to compete moreso with UCB/UCLA. </p>
<p>The only reason I mentioned the 3 tier thing was because the UC system actually mentioned UCSD being in the same top tier in their official info packet that comes out every year. Technically, according to stats/ rankings etc, UCSD should be in its own tier between UCB/UCLA and UCI/UCSB/UCD, however I think the UC system put it in a 3 school tier with UCB/UCLA to make it easier when talking about 9 schools split up into 3 groups of 3.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Biology is very strong at UCI, but it is impacted now at UCSD because of its popularity with all the Premeds here... Why are there so many premeds here? There is an unbelievably large amount of resources for premed students, not to mention our biomedical and bioengineering resources being ranked top 5 in the nation (according to USNWR) right behind Johns Hopkins and maybe UPenn? I didnt memorize the rankings exactly.
[/quote]
and premeds dont dominate at UCI? </p>
<p>
[quote]
Your overall decision shouldn't be made based on the amount of fun you'll have since you can determine that anywhere. I actually feel bad for the very few ppl I know that chose UCI over UCSD and didnt get what they were looking for.
[/quote]
and i feel bad for a few of my friends who went to SD and didnt like it there either. the OP (or anyone else) should really visit the college and try and spend a night to see what they like.</p>
<p>lastly, most of the rankings for uindergraduate programs are kinda BS in my mind, particularly in the sciences where they have to teach you so much stuff they you cant really do anything in depth (ala grad school). most of the rankings and what not you see draw heavily on the graduate schools and what they do- in which case SD is right next to LA, but berkeley is far higher in my mind.</p>
<p>also, the whole "UCI is on the rise" thing is really true, but it shouldnt be a factor. if all those new buildings and new professors it attracts will be there in the next 3-4 years, than sure let it be a factor, but it wont. dont go to a school than graduate right when all the good stuff happens.
even so, uci is only 5 years younger than SD. but with all the attempted growth, i tihnk uci will rise above SD (eventually). while that may not help ur education, when you apply for jobs and what not later on, thats the Irvine that will be in people's minds.</p>
<p>Guys shouldn't pounce on OoPurestOo too much. S/he does raise some good points on UCSD such as their Biology program. It just shows whichever university you choose, you'll be part of a huge program with great faculty and resources. I'm not sure of what to say about your comment that medical schools pick more UCB/UCLA/UCSD or Ivy league graduates than UCD/UCI/UCSB. For one thing, you're comparing graduate students from 11 universities (3 UC, 8 Ivy League) to those from 3 universities. I couldn't find much information of where each admitted graduates came from in many medical schools. Furthermore, UC Irvine itself has its own medical school and recently has completed a new facility as part of its growth. </p>
<p>If there are any benefits of having a higher ranked graduate program, it's probably better TAs, but if UCSD assigns TAs as same as UCI, undergrads can end up with TAs who are not studying in the same field of the undergrad course. </p>
<p>As for biology in Irvine, it's part of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) which has the largest number of undergraduates, many who want (or forced) to enter into the medical field. The biological sciences (BioSci) major has the reputation of having the most competitive lower-division courses here at UCI as every SBS student, even those who don't have BioSci as their major, has to take the BIO core courses. By their competitive nature, they have assumed the role to "weed out" weak or non-motivated students. I know 3 students who were originally BioSci majors but changed within the next year, but they were weak in intellect and study habits, so they deserved it. From OoPurestOo's post, this is no different in UCSD. Wherever you pick, be prepared to study like you've studied never before.</p>
<p>I'm a Mathematics and Physics major so I can't really go in depth about Biology courses and its environment much.</p>
<p>
[quote]
know 3 students who were originally BioSci majors but changed within the next year, but they were weak in intellect and study habits, so they deserved it.
[/quote]
i know more than a few who also did this. they let a lot of kids in, but most kids cant/wont handle it. i also know a few people who will eventually do this.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm a Mathematics and Physics major so I can't really go in depth about Biology courses and its environment much.
[/quote]
im also not a bio major but, from what ive heard, its pretty bad at the lower division. most of the core classes are tandem taught, meaning you will have multiple professors. what ends up happening is you have one prof for about 2-3 weeks, they give a test, and another teacher comes and repeats (you may get a 3rd teacher). also, because they let in almost everyone, they literally have to hold your hand cause some of the kids shouldnt be there (or even in college IMO). i heard a story about spending 20 minutes telling kids how to get a scantron for a test or something like that.
also, i heard some flack about the bio 98 course (middle of ur soph year) requiring that you know carbonyl chemistry. however, the organic chemistry department doesnt cover it until the second quarter of organic chem (at the same time). being a chem major, im in o chem and hear kids complain, but it doesnt bother me.
at most schools, i would want to take the biochem/mol bio courses (and they do count towards my major), but i really really really really dont want to deal with the biology department at uci. </p>
<p>however, if you do well here, you can do well anywhere. my uncle was a bio major here and he ended up at john hopkins medical. i have two other uncles who also went to uci/became doctors, but im not sure where they went to med school.</p>
<p>Is UC San Diego even ranked higher for neuroscience? I mean where do you even find that information? USNWR only ranks the graduate programs, for which it ranks UCI higher.</p>
<p>As far as fun, UCI is division 1 and more and more students are attending games. The baseball team is a top twenty(ten) ranked program.</p>
<p>You definitely won't get this at UCSD as the administration has really no interest in sports.</p>
<p>Alright, and the barrage of pro UCI students arrive. Greetings.</p>
<p>@flemmyd: I concur that since Biological sciences thrive at UCI, cutthroat premeds will be present there too.</p>
<p>Again, it depends on your taste as well. Some people are upset they chose Berkeley/LA/SB/Davis/ even Cornell and the East coast schools blanketed in snow at the moment.</p>
<p>UCI on the rise may be true but don't jump to conclusions about surpassing UCSD etc etc, first of all, you guys got UCD and UCSB to surpass and they ALSO have their "on the rise" beliefs as well and they may throw every argument from building a new theatre to opening up a Burger King that is open 24-7 or any renovations they got to backup their school. I will give the most credit to UCSD and UCI for being the younger UC's and getting as far as they have in such short time. I find a reason to believe that UCSD took the upper hand in over all prestige at the moment because our Chancellor throws every dime into our academic programs which some have launched past UCLA (engineering). UCI, in my biased opinion of course, spent more time on an overall value with the D1 sports etc but overtime, yes it will improve greatly, though I wouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions such as passing up other UC's any time soon. Again we even have pro-UC Merceds convincing themselves that in 20 years they will be a top tier UC.</p>
<p>I have NO idea where you got that idea of professors switching around... that must be some insane system you guys have going there. Here at SD you stick with the same Professor for the quarter and comply with his/her midterms and a final. @ the ochem/ carboxyl chem complaints.... people should grow up and get used to it. If you're majoring in bio/chem eventually you have to start somewhere, even if it means learning quantum mechanics in the first chapter of General Chemistry 1. Let the weeder classes weed out those people. </p>
<p>@Birdkiller: A generalization on my part with the Med school admitted students. Obviously there are more than 8 schools worth of kids getting accepted. It's funny how prestige gets thrown into program factors but I believe it also has to do with the faculty and their precious nobel prizes. We had one professor this year actually get a nobel prize for his biochem research (not too on top of what that was exactly). </p>
<p>About the weeder classes, it's like I said in my response to flemmyd. There are plenty of kids who think they suddenly want to be doctors because they like to dissect animals or they helped their dog Scruffy when it was sick and try to make good money off it when they realize they actually need to be good at chemistry and physics to do more advanced bio work and end up crying and whining because they can't ever live their Grey's Anatomy dreams. Plus you will see alot of those wanna-be pre-meds drop that path because of Ochem. You actually have to like this 11 year path to a good extent to become a doctor. To be honest, I enjoy watching some of these kids receive their reality checks after their C's in chemistry. </p>
<p>About the TA's. Yes, our TA's are graduate students that are majoring in the subjects that they help TA in. </p>
<p>@tommybarsett: You will never find accurate enough statistics to prove one better than the other. Even if you did the difference may be because one professor has less of a life and spends more time in the lab.... or the restrooms are cleaner in one facility... who knows. </p>
<p>@la_demolition: Biased. Again this information would ONLY apply to those who can only process fun through the availability of D1 sports. I dunno where you have been but Sports is definitely not the only key factor that defines fun. </p>
<p>"the administration has really no interest in sports" If you are referring to the administration of the school in general, I can assure you... no one cares if the administration enjoys sports or not. That's not what they are here for lol. </p>
<p>@everyone: read my first post if you need a refreshment about the rumors of "fun" at UCSD.</p>
<p>OoPurestOo - You are over-reaching in your comments.</p>
<p>I did not say that sports attendance was the ONLY way to have fun. I merely mentioned that UCI has a stronger sports program than UCSD. The original poster was eliciting feedback about the schools and which school is more fun. </p>
<p>The original poster might LOVE baseball or volleyball (or a decent basketball team) and it would serve he/she well to know the difference between UCI and UCSD with regards to their sports programs. The fact is, UCSD does not have any nationally ranked sports teams and will probably not have any in the foreseeable future as witnessed by comments by UCSD administration who have no interest in sports by want to focus on education.</p>
<p>la_demolition: Ok I see where you are coming from. Actually, the basketball team at UCSD has become more of our sport to go watch at the stadium in RIMAC. Personally, I'm not one for watching sports but I like to play sports and hopefully the OP knows that there are Intramural and club team sports at our school. Some are social and some are competitive where they will play other club teams, such as UCI, USC, UCLA etc. To me, its just fun to get out and play and it replaces simple working out at the gym and releases stress but its not the reason I go to college lol. </p>
<p>Again a note to all: I know my posts are biased, I am just a source for UCSD since OP is going to get plenty of UCI-pride on a UCI thread.</p>
<p>
[quote]
About the TA's. Yes, our TA's are graduate students that are majoring in the subjects that they help TA in.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Same here, to clarify, I meant something like for discussion course on linear algebra (a field in math), our class may get a TA who is focused on dynamic systems (another math field) instead. </p>
<p>
[quote]
The fact is, UCSD does not have any nationally ranked sports teams and will probably not have any in the foreseeable future as witnessed by comments by UCSD administration who have no interest in sports by want to focus on education.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Please tell me you don't consider that as a disadvantage. Even though I attend many of the NCAA and Big West games at home (over a dozen so far) and a casual fan of UCI sports, I would love it if UCI dropped their athletics program (even though many programs have recently been successful) for academics. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Again a note to all: I know my posts are biased, I am just a source for UCSD since OP is going to get plenty of UCI-pride on a UCI thread.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Oh go ahead and unleash your fury if you want, it's become a great discussion so far.</p>
<p>@Birdkiller: Yes haha. It's just that some people get EASILY offended when comparing schools when they forget to realize that most posts are biased anyway. </p>
<p>I forgot to mention, and I think you anteaters will enjoy this one, but Triton Eye exists indeed at UCSD. I don't know how but it just seems like the nerdiest looking people kind of gathered and decided to accumulate in a particular school. Don't get me wrong, the ratio from good looking to ehhhh is about 1:4 or 1:5. From what I have seen with UCI, there are more good looking people. The rumors typically go with UC Berkeley and UCSD for "Berkeley Goggles" and "Trition Eye".</p>
<p>Ok, so on this whole UCI v. UCSD schtuff. For context/bias, I am a third year UCSD student, but lately have been taking some time off and living at home in Orange County. I have taken a few Summer Session courses at UCI, and my boyfriend goes there, so I'm pretty familiar with both academics and campus life at UCI. </p>
<p>UCI has a surprisingly pretty campus (i.e. Aldrich Park), and it's clear an obscene amount of money has gone into landscaping the place. The academics in my mind were very solid, even for the non-science classes (I took classes from both the humanities/social sciences as well as the hard science departments). I frequent Campus Village, the transfer housing, quite a bit and everyone there is having a great time and is very happy with their decision to go to UCI. </p>
<p>UCSD is in La Jolla, a pretty rich area with lots of retired WASPS, etc. Beaches are lovely and San Diego is fun, although really only if you're over 21. I think UCSD's campus is arguably as picturesque as UCI's, and probably more unique-looking: eucalyptus trees, some cool architecture (check out pictures of the Geisel library), etc. The social scene there is, and I know you've heard this before, what you make it. If you seek out interesting, open-minded people through extracuriculars and in the SD community at large, you'll have a blast in even the reddest (as in most conservative) counties in the state. The academics at UCSD are top-notch, for sure.</p>
<p>Both campuses harbor the kind of students who are still secretly upset they didn't get into LA/Berkeley, but once they get over themsevles, they have a great time. Both the towns of Irvine and La Jolla aren't super exciting, but it's all about the people you hang out with. Either way, you'll have Newport Beach and downtown San Diego within driving distance.</p>
<p>Pick the UC based on your major program, not necessarily the most "prestigious" of the two. If you're computer science, obviously choose UCI over UCSD. I picked UCSD because of its highly customizable International Studies program and the six college system.</p>
<p>If the schools are fairly equal in terms of academic prowess and social scene (or lack there of), the decision must be location, location, location. Irvine is not Laguna Beach. LaJolla is LaJolla, arguably one of the most beautiful and temperate places on earth.</p>