Hi! I’m an Environmental/Earth science major and I got accepted to UCI CHP, UCSD, and UCLA. Are the perks of UCI CHP worth the higher ranks of UCSD and UCLA? I believe UCSD and UCLA have better programs but I feel like all UC’s are pretty basic for undergrad so maybe the smaller classes and priority of CHP would be beneficial too.
UCI is a little closer to home (25 mins) which would be nice for me whereas UCSD is about 90mins away and UCLA is about 50 minutes away.
A number of years ago, among the schools I was deciding were these three, with UCI also offering CHP. I visited UCI CHP and UCLA (didn’t go visit UCSD). The education you will get from all three will be pretty equal, quality experiences. I think you should visit the schools if possible and have a feel for the overall fit of the school. It may also be worth considering which school has the resources you may want for your future success, be it graduate school or a certain career. If possible, ask the schools (their departments) if they can tell you where their students go after graduation.
I felt like CHP perks were nice, but not crucial. In the overall scheme of things, I felt like UCLA offered what I wanted in terms of location, prestige, resources.
thanks! I will be visiting all three soon on their welcome days
I heard UCI CHP is actually very difficult, and the additional classes required from CHP can drag your GPA down. You should talk to people who actually are in the UCI CHP program and see how they like it though!