UCI CHP vs UCSD

<p>I thought of more things to say after I took my final:</p>

<p>Keep in mind that a professor whose research area is in carbon nanotubes could be teaching a class in fluid dynamics. From my experience taking core subject courses… it’s common.</p>

<p>And also, I’ve never met a homeless student (I’ve heard of a few living in lecture halls… sounds like fun) and I’ve only known 1 super-senior who wanted to be one b/c he had a minor and was an RA (he was paid + free housing). It’s merely a perk. I’m sorry, I’m really in no place to talk about this and enrollment day perks either b/c I’ve never experienced that problem (enrollment outside of CHP is based on how many units you have and some other random factors, I have a lot of units so I typically get near 1st day enrollment being a 2nd year). I’ve had a few friends who have missed a few classes, no big problem summer school is sometimes easier than in the academic terms. Paying for summer school can be expensive but avoided by loading 20+ units a quarter if you really want your money’s worth (you’ll get a higher enrollment date and probably not even need summer school).</p>

<p>Does anyone know how enrollment works at UCSD/other schools? It might even be an attractive system. I’ve heard for instance at UCLA and Stanford, you are allowed to take a few core classes out of order/take different pathways thus relieving some enrollment tension experienced with some bio majors here since you can’t enroll in classes out of order/its more difficult to enroll in classes out of order (in the 1st 2 years this general order is mandatory bio 93>94>97>98>99 chem 1a>1b>1c>51a>51b>51c and if you miss/fail one course you may not move on unless you resort to special circumstances).</p>

<p>I got into both UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and UCSD. The Honors Experience Day was really persuasive; and I can see the benefits and opportunities. However, I feel that there is a 50/50 chance that I might not like UCI CHP. </p>

<p>And where is the financial aid located? I am still waiting for this to make my decision. If UCI give me scholarships and cal grants to cover 100% of my cost (my family is low income), then I might go here. This sounds like a really great program and I don’t want to pass it by to go to high-ranking UC’s.</p>

<p>Can someone help enlighten me?</p>

<p>^ bonpham, </p>

<p>There is a general consensus among everyone (or a vast majority of people here) that UCI was not their first choice, and many people did not think they would be very happy. However, with the exception of a very small minority who wanted to move closer to home, everyone else is really happy being here! Keep in mind that the people around you is what makes college fun and exciting, CHP will have many interesting people and you will grow and be challenged over the next 4 years!</p>

<p>BrandoIsCool, thanks for your input. So you recommend me to go here? Are you a current student? If you are part of CHP can you elaborate on the opportunities?</p>

<p>Once again, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.</p>

<p>Side note:
CHP members please input your thoughts; any further input is welcomed.</p>

<p>Hi again! </p>

<p>I’m a second year, non-CHP, although I do know a few friends in CHP. I am an engineer major, and I talked to my RA and he said that as an engineer, being in CHP would not be as beneficial as other majors. (engineers have MANY, MANY more requirements). I didn’t apply for CHP. </p>

<p>But I’m sure that they must’ve talked to you about the “Core” programs that you do each year. There’s a humanities, social science and science “Core”. These will be taken over your 3 years and you will end up doing a research thesis before graduation. </p>

<p>I can’t say that you should definitely go here, because that would depend on the person. But I remember my great uncle saying to me (summer before college) that UCI was a very, very good school and that I should be extremely proud to get in. He also said that one of his son’s Alma Mater (UPenn) was another excellent school but regardless of the “name” I wouldn’t be missing out on my education because, I guess, he knew that I would be working hard and being able to take advantage of all the opportunities. He has 3 sons, first and youngest went to UCI, the middle sons went to UPenn. My extended family, and parents all regard the three of them as extremely intelligent, competent and motivated individuals. </p>

<p>My point is that you have very good opportunities here, so I would seriously consider it. If you wanna go to grad school (most CHP kids do) than I would recommend going to UCI over LA/Cal/SD b/c the curves <em>are</em> be tougher (according to a friends at UCLA/Cal, Idk about SD though…)</p>

Hello - after 7 years, are there other perspectives on this, especially from students who have taken one route or the other? Thanks.

@infectedshrooms LA is 1 to 2 hours away by car (depending on traffic), and SD is 90 to 120 minutes away depending on traffic. I personally like UCSD campus and location better. UC Irvine campus is kinda boring.

I did meet two people who went through UCI CHP, did well and went to Harvard and Columbia law schools so . . . Also, I heard that it’s quite competitive at UCI. I would say a lower ranked version of UC Berkeley.

@websensation Thanks. That is helpful.

I can’t express enough the importance and benefits of the early enrollment window CHP provides versus trying to enroll in classes at UCSD as a “regular” student. UCSD has one of the lowest UC 4-year graduation rate due to inability to enroll in classes, which all UCs have in common. CHP is a wise choice for that reason alone.

Thanks @uciparent.

Now, UCI CHP or UCD Regents? Maybe not a bad pickle to be in.

Thanks for all the help.

Considering UCD Regents has the same benefits as UCI CHP, I would go where the money is. Is Regents at UCD $7500/yr?

Granted I’m biased as I really love the college town feel of Davis. My question is UCI CHP or UCD without honors or Regents? Will go to the CHP program on 4/6 to evaluate it.

I don’t know much about UCD other than that they beat UCI on Saturday night with a berth for the NCAA tourney on the line. Visiting both schools is always a good idea. There are a lot f factors, but Regents is a big deal to put on your resume when going through on-campus recruiting http://career.uci.edu/students/on-campus-interviews.html

Good luck.

@ikg4answers Yes, the regents is $7500/yr at Davis (appears different at other schools). @uciparent, I agree with you as well. For my D, who will also be a premed, it appears that it is a wash, otherwise. We plan to go to both schools in the first week of April (honors day at UCI and regents overnight at Davis).
Just anxious that we will make the right decision :).