UCI CHP vs UCSD

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Irvine
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<p>Hello there, </p>

<p>I'd like to open the floor for advice and insight for my situation.</p>

<p>I'm an incoming freshman, accepted into UCI (Chemistry in Phys Sci) with CHP (no regents) and UCSD (not honors). </p>

<p>I went to the Honors Experience day they had at UCI. To be honest, before the orientation I couldn't imagine myself at UCI, but after talking to many of the students and walking around campus, I'm seriously thinking about going. I feel that the minimum GPA requirement to stay in the program is a great incentive for me to keep my GPA, which in the long run will benefit me when applying to graduate schools. Also, I feel that the mandatory research project required in this program will benefit me in such a way as well. The priority enrollment is nice, and relationship between faculty and students seems to be more intimate than those in other UC's where I often hear of 600 student classes and TA-taught lectures. Of course, I expect a few of those will be inevitable as a UCI student, however being in CHP seems to limit those experiences.
So in short, I Really liked UCI.</p>

<p>As for UCSD...
I'm an undeclared (most likely to change to Chemistry if and when I get there) in Warren College, but I didn't get accepted into their honors program. In my prior high school years UCSD was THE school I wanted to attend (as it is a higher acclaimed university than UCI), and although time has passed and some of my college preferences have changed throughout high school, UCSD always remained at the top of my list for my undergraduate studies.
I live in San Diego, so commuting to UCSD is an option for me (especially with the budget cuts; paying for college is getting increasingly difficult). If anything, my parents would prefer this, as I'll be saving them LOTS of money. I haven't visited the campus yet, but I plan to within the next few weeks.</p>

<p>Housing-wise, my parents can afford a year's worth of housing at either university, however afterwards most likely I will be commuting from home (or working super hard to get scholarships OR get a loan.) I'd like to be far away enough from my parents that I'll be able to function very independently, and I feel that UCI has the perfect distance if I choose to live in dorms. If I do commute in later years, the distance will only be a negative aspect of my college experience. </p>

<p>My problem is this: I'm torn between the two schools. I feel that at UCI I'll be more successful (for instance, GPA-wise) and I'll be able to comfortably engage in rigorous studies, far enough from home. However at UCSD, it's a "better" school, and I'll be able to save loads of money. Is it worth it to choose UCI over UCSD in my situation? Currently, I'm leaning towards UCI. Of course, that's subject to change (especially after I visit UCSD).
Any advice, insight, comments, questions based on this?
Also, if anything I stated above about either school is invalid, please correct me. I'd really like to find out different and honest opinions to truly understand both schools.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>re: budget cuts: as much as people complain, the cost is not as much as you would think . tuition went from 9000->12000. yes, i admit, 3000 a year is a lot, but its not like you’re in a private school (paying 45K plus). the big difference is going to be the cost of living in an apartment/dorms (15k-20k a year). at irvine, you will be paying that 15k+ every year. you may be able to live at home going to sd. you’ve already mentioned it, but… yeah.</p>

<p>also, what do you want to do with your degree? a good gpa/letters of rec will beat the “prestige” of any university. you may not be as impressive when you brag to your friends/family about were you go as an undergrad, but they’ll be even more impressed with where you go to graduate school/what you grow up to do. if you think sd will be better, by all means go for it.
consider: no one is famous for having gone to MIT, harvard, whatever. people are famous for what they actually do with their life.</p>

<p>and the priority enrollment is a HUGE deal. especially when you want to take 30-50 kids classes as a sophomore, or whatever. even more so when you want to take the 10 kid labs (im a chem major, i know.)</p>

<p>sidenote: ive met several people (even graduate students) in similar positions as you. they decide between uci and some other uc. most think uci is some kind of safety and visit “just in case”. they happen to fall in love with the campus and the amount of pressure uci puts on getting you. other schools (sd and berk in particular) had a more laid back attitude like “we’re berkeley, why wouldnt you want to come here?”</p>

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<p>@flemmyd
Thank you for your comprehensive response.
Re:housing- Yes, very true. But is it worth all that money to be able to stay in the dorms? I’ve talked to a few people about this already, but I’d just like to hear more opinions about this.
Re:degree- I’m not exactly sure what I’d like to pursue yet, although I’m interested in a few careers including: Chemistry, Chemical Engineer, Pharmacist, Doctor. Then again, my major Could change. I mean, Neuroscience seems preeetty interesting.
But no matter what, I expect that I’ll major in a math/science field.
Oh, and minor-wise, I’m interested in Linguistics or Philosophy. Just thought I’d throw that in there.</p>

<p>Re:priority enrollment (sort of…)- Yay chem major!!! Priority enrollment in labs is a good thing to know and hear from a chem student. :)</p>

<p>Re: Your last comment- Wow, seems like I’m not alone in my boat! That’s basically exactly what my situation is. How did those people make their final decisions? And what were the final decisions?</p>

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<p>Honors Gen Chem @UCI will change your life… You’ll really “learn” how to “think”. It’s almost as awesome as smoking pot before going to church.</p>

<p>But… UCSD has the Sun God Festival… so… ahem, GPA wise, you’ll be taking courses against people who are in your boat because you’re in honors if you come to UCI… Science is science wherever you go but remember a bell curve is something to consider when deciding between the size of your classes and who you’re up against. So in the case of having it easier you might want to still consider UCSD. Just keep telling yourself, “I’m going to maintain X GPA because I want it,” and it’ll be like the CHP gpa incentive.</p>

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<p>I wouldn’t hesitate for a second before taking UCI with CHP over UCSD. The benefits you get as a CHP student are absolutely enormous. You get priority enrollment, four years of guaranteed housing, membership in a great community of ambitious and academically gifted students, private study rooms in the library, graduate student level privileges for library loans, etc.</p>

<p>I get that SD is perceived as a “better” school but, to be honest, I feel like this is mostly a product of high school seniors’ imagination, who are no doubt influenced by USNWR. UCI certainly has its strengths over SD. For example, Irvine has one of the best humanities schools in the UC system and one of the best in the country. Besides that, it obviously has excellent science and engineering programs as well.</p>

<p>Anyway, when we talk about the relative strengths of these schools, what we’re really talking about is the quality of their graduate programs. At an undergrad level, this really isn’t going to matter to you. What will matter is your experience on a day to day basis.</p>

<p>Let me put it another way: what will matter when you’re actually in college? The fact that you are guaranteed to get all the classes you want and will never have to worry about finding somewhere to live? Or the fact that you attend a university ranked in the 30’s rather than the 40’s by US News?</p>

<p>Most of the people I know in CHP had the option of going to schools like UCLA and Cal, and I’m not aware of any who regret their decision.</p>

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<p>major != career kido!!!
also, people seem to be sucked into this idea that the only way to learn about a subject is to major in it. consider minors, just taking the classes as electives, or working in a lab that covers the subject
(if you work in a lab, the best part is realizng that so much knowledge isnt in classroom form. especially in science, one of the common ways to learn is just picking up journal articles— and this is why scientist are better than engineers. :p)</p>

<p>

true. the rankings dont matter. even in graduate school, the rankings get intensely specific. uci is a dominate school in organic chemistry, not so much in computational etc. but usnsw doesnt really care. and as a grad student, you even start looking at individual professors in addition to the school.</p>

<p>also, an interesting side note: the “original” USNRW formula apparently ranked caltech number one. but the people writing the list (mostly stanford, harvard and princeton grads) thought their schools must be the best because they went there and they were the best (in their little field…like journalist and business types) and they were the best at everything! caltech beating them formulaiclly (sp) ****ed them off cause it couldnt be the “best school” in the nation/world when its emphasis was on science. so they fiddled with the formula until they were on top and stuff. even now, theres no scientific reason for their formula.</p>

<p>and about those bell curves: just do well and you’ll be fine. it sounds naive, but the curves are just trends. in those large 400 (irvine’s largest lecture)-700 (cal’s largest), there are enough kids to were a somewhat normal distribution is impossible to avoid. once you get into the smaller classes, it doesnt happen. there a times when 75% of the class will get an A, and there are times when no one gets an A (cause no one earned it…)</p>

<p>

i dont know anyone who regretted turning down chp for berkeley/la either… i guess that means they’re all good choices? its difficult to compare as most people dont have extensive exp in more than one uc undergrad program…</p>

<p>and what you get out of housing is a much more personal thing.</p>

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<p>Takoyaki117–I’m in the exact same predicament as you, it’s scary hahaha…I also got accepted to the UCI CHP for Chemistry, but I also got in UCSD for biochem with no honors program there. After seeing how absolutely BEAUTIFUL Irvine was yesterday, as well as all of the perks CHP students receive, I think Im 95% sold on going to Irvine.</p>

<p>I was concerned about the “prestige” factor as well, but considering the strength of UCI’s chemistry department, I think it’s going to help get into grad schools/get jobs in the future</p>

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<p>I thank all of you for your logical insight thus far. I’m still weighing out the options (I still have 1+month to actually decide, really) so I truly appreciate your input. Keep them coming!</p>

<p>Re: People turning down LA/Cal/SD for CHP
I was going to ask some of the CHP students about that yesterday, but alas I didn’t have the courage to. </p>

<p>However, I was doing some more research about the honors program.
I assumed I wasn’t accepted into the UCSD honors program, and I later looked up the eligibility requirements and found that in order to be accepted, the freshman applicant must have a 3.8 cumulative GPA, 700+ on all SATs and/or 31+ on the ACT. I fill two of the 3 criteria; does that make me eligible?</p>

<p>In case I’m not part of their honors program, the college I was accepted to allows students in to the program if they achieve a 3.7 GPA (which, I take it, is quite difficult in college), and at UCI, CHP members can be “kicked out” (for lack of a better phrase) if they fall below a 3.2 GPA. So if I choose UCSD, it’s not impossible to also belong to their honors program, right? </p>

<p>@NervousStudentt
Wow! We really are on the same boat! I probably saw you yesterday at Honors Experience day! (trying to say this in a non-stalker-y way)
Yes, I agree. The UCI campus was absolutely beautiful and I’m really impressed with UCI. I didn’t expect this to be such a hard choice now.
The “prestige” factor was definitely a concern, but yes, I agree with what you said. However, my main concern now is paying for college. Undoubtedly I’ll have to work harder to get money for UCI than UCSD, and I quarrel as to whether it’s worth it and whether I can even formulate the money.</p>

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<p>I am also interested in this. Also, does the CHP program allow us to apply for scholarships later?</p>

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<p>UCI CHP program does seem very appealing. However, to me, the environment itself seems kind of…dull. I mean it’s very clean and it looks fun, but it doesn’t appeal to me too much. </p>

<p>UCSD however, didn’t really seem to give the same attention Irvine did. They put me in my third choice college without any honors etc. I ono, to me, UCSD campus seems a bit more appealing. I’m not sure why. UCI’s surroundings just doesn’t seem that special. </p>

<p>However, i’m still deciding. Help me???</p>

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<p>Irvine’s 20 minutes from LA, and about an hour from SD. It’s a pretty good central location, I guess. Lots of parties, too.</p>

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<p>lol at La jolla being more fun than Irvine. </p>

<p>It’s exactly the same kind of boring residential community that Irvine is, except that it doesn’t have the benefit of being fifteen minutes away from Disneyland, a minute from Newport Beach (balboa island is pretty awesome if you’ve never been and it’s within biking distance), fifteen minutes from Laguna Beach, and a short distance from LA.</p>

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<p>LA is more like 40 minutes away… with no traffic going like 80. more likely an hour-1.5 hours with traffic.</p>

<p>and irvine, it really helps to have a car/friend with a car.</p>

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<p>To the OP, I am a second year at UCI–not in CHP, though. I would seriously recommend CHP over UCSD, or any other UC school. With the budget cuts and what not going around, the priority enrollment is a HUGE plus. When you enter you will be able to sign up at the SAME time as seniors! When there are limited spaces, or classes you want to take this is a HUGE advantage. Furthermore, you will be able to create the perfect schedule (ie. afternoon only classes or ending early on Friday’s). You never have to worry about classes filling up or not being able to get a certain time slot! My CHP friend even said that being in the Honors Program trumps being at UCLA/Cal. He also said that many of his friends were also accpected into LA/Cal, but choose the honors program b/c of the numerous perks. IMO, the early enrollment for classes is probably the perk, and as a non-CHP student, I am jealous of my friend! </p>

<p>I would like to note that 2 Nobel Prize winners were from the Chem Department, so there’s bound to be excellent research, funding, and amazing professors. I was also told that upon graduation your transcripts will note that you were in the Honors Program! You will be living with other CHP kids (unless you don’t want to) and you will be motivated and challenged at the same time! </p>

<p>Honors gives you advantages and opportunities that will be harder to get as a regular student. Prestige is nothing compared to achievements~! Truth be told, many kids did not consider UCI their first choice, but I see many happy and content people. Many have excelled academically and have gone on to do research, make new friends, and pushed themselves to try new things! Don’t worry about prestige, worry about the grades and academics. I’ve known/heard of people that have gone on to Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, UCLA, and Columbia for grad school–and many other places, too! I know that being in HS, you want to go to a school that reflects on your hard work and abilities, you want to go to a school that you can brag about to everyone–I know what it feels like, I was there myself a few years ago. Don’t buy into the ranking nonsense. You will see many bright motivated people here, and if you get lazy you will be beaten by the “average” kid in the lecture hall! </p>

<p>Its your actions and what you make of your opportunities that define who you are, not the name of the school! Any school can open doors for you, but can’t make you walk through them! </p>

<p>Keep in mind, that your peers will make a greater impact on your success than the school’s overall reputation/prestige!!! </p>

<p>UCI CHP! </p>

<p>PS My sister actually is in the similar situation as you! My dad wants her to come to UCI mainly b/c its closer to home! Good Luck!</p>

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<p>I am in the same boat as you, and after attending the CHP orientation yesterday, learning about the perks of being in the program (Priority registration, reserved study rooms, smaller class sizes, senior research with a professor) and getting a tour around the campus, I am pretty much sold at this point on becoming an Ant Eater this upcoming Fall. </p>

<p>I think that if your plan is go to grad school later, the opportunities offered through the CHP enables you to complete two of the most important things in relations to grad school: **Finish your undergrad studies on-time w/o having to worry about not getting a necessary class to graduate & having the opportunities to work on projects that would make you stand out against other grad school applicants (With the honors research thesis and the fact that only 6 or 7% <em>Forgot the exact #</em> gets selected to be a part of the CHP). ** I was sold on these two points esp. since my eventual goal is to obtain a MBA after my undergraduate studies. </p>

<p>To me, those two benefits alone outweights the reputation that may come across with being a UCLA/CAL or SD student. Personally, I think UCI has a good rep., but ultimately (As someone already said), achievements is far more important than reputations alone.</p>

<p>Having said all of the above, only you would know where it will best suit you the next two or four years. I wish you the best!</p>

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<p>From reading all these posts, it makes it seem like CHP operates under the fallacy that there’s no opportunities to achieve anything as a regular student at another UC or that it’s much easier. Be careful about what you’re being told… Student selections and reputation are also there for a reason, not simply popularity.</p>

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<p>^ That’s a fair point, aside from the obvious (Priority registration dates & guaranteed housing), would it be accurate to say that it’s difficult to have the opportunity to work closely with a UC-professor on a research projects as a non-honors student@ other UCs? </p>

<p>I have been told by friends who have attended UCs (UCB,UCLA, SD etc) that since most classes at UC levels are so large, students mostly work with TAs, and it’s often difficult to have that connection with a professor as one may exp. at a community college level. Thus, it’s hard to build such a rapport with a professor on something like a research thesis. Is this really the case? </p>

<p>I think achievements are end results of personal commitments, so at this point, I am leaning towards UCI’s CHP program not because I think that nothing can be achieved as a regular student at other UC. Rather, I am attracted to the program because it seems like it really help push a student on making the most out of their academic careers by providing more opportunities and tools to succeed. I’m sure same can be done without help of the program if one pursues it; it would simply be harder to do so.</p>

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<p>

very true.
as i mentioned, i know several people who turned down CHP and have still had great success. </p>

<p>and about the “graduation with honors” thing, that varies. as a chem major, we can do one section of honors through the CHP and one through the chemistry department. for the chem department, you do a year of honors reserach and write a thesis. i think the physics department is the same way.
this is similar, but independent of chp program. im sure every department allows students who arent in CHP but are able to do honors research.
for those tl:dr= ANYONE can do honors research. in CHP, its mandatory, but ANYONE (who is able) can do it.</p>

<p>also, keep in mind that no one really cares if you did the honors program at your college. this isnt high school- taking honors doesnt matter one bit. there are plenty of success stories from uci where kids didnt do CHP. take it because you think you will benefit, not because your resume will look better.
thats why i mentioned the two really big factors i think CHP brings: priority registration and being around a “different” group of peers (although as a non-chper, i hang out with them every once in a while. not that often though.)</p>

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<p>Actually, I was wrong it is easier in CHP, but it’s not really that hard to begin with. Doing research under a professor is a matter of time/effort/commitment but you’ll never not find an opportunity. Everyone needs a free volunteer here and there - undergrads are perfect and CHP is a bit of icing on top that’s true.</p>

<p>I think what I mean’t by it’s not easier was that in CHP you’re going to be worked hard and challenged (Pure assumption, I dunno I was never in CHP).</p>

<p>Even though classes are so large, acquaintanship (I don’t even think that’s a word) can still be formed between student-professor outside the classroom. It’s easier, yes, but never a hard task if you’re up to it.</p>

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<p>Addendum: Consider a case where you never even had a class under the professor you want to start conducting research under (because his research is more relevant to your interests and goals that some other professor). You don’t have to wait to take his class before you get under his wing. If you want it, go for it. A CHP network will help, and any other sort of network is just as good but no network can work just fine.</p>