UCI vs UCD

I committed to UCI a few weeks ago, and was absolutely set on going there. Then, earlier today, I was accepted off the waitlist for UCD. I need to make a decision in the next few days, and I could use any helpful knowledge about how the universities compare.

Some info:

  • I’m majoring in mechanical engineering and got into this major for both schools. I have no idea what the differences are in the engineering departments, and would appreciate an explanation.
  • I got the Regent’s Scholarship for UCI, though I don’t know how useful this is. (money-wise, all UC’s are already a bargain)
  • I love both campuses.
  • I like the idea of being close to the beach and LA at UCI and I’m worried about the lack of things to do surrounding Davis, but I’ve heard conflicting reports about which location is really more exciting.

Any thoughts?

If you got Regents at UCI, I would stick with that plan. There are a lot of non-monetary benefits, first and foremost priority registration which is a huge, HUGE plus at a UC. You get to pick your classes even before the athletes, which eliminates the otherwise common problem of not being able to get the classes you want and need. Also, you’ll forever be able to put on your resume that you were a Regent’s Scholar. (Plus, I think there are research/mentoring benefits too, but I’m not familiar with the details at UCI specifically.)

There are a few areas in which UCD is stronger than UCI (and vice versa), but MechE wise Irvine’s program is at least equal to UCD’s. “Love the school that loves you” and take the Regents offer; IMO there’s no advantage of UCD that’s worth turning that down for. Congratulations!

All I hear are pros to UC Irvine, no cons, and you only listed one pro for Davis which was it’s campus, but you also said that for UC Irvine. It seems that your heart is already with UC Irvine, but if you’re still unsure, try to visit Davis maybe within the next few days? Or draw a random name out of a hat, and you’ll know.

UCI Regents’ scholarship benefits are listed here:
http://www.ofas.uci.edu/content/regentinfo.aspx?year=2019&sp=1

$5,000 per year (although UCI does have higher costs than UCD, so it comes out to be about the same or only slightly less after the scholarship money).
On-campus housing for four years if you want it.
Priority registration.
Can check out library materials for longer periods.

I’d stick with UCI due to the fact that your tone sounds genuinely excited about going there - plus the scholarship and the fact that they didn’t stick you on their wait list. Getting housing and classes as a waitlist admit at a BIG school like UCD can be a challenge and you’d probably have to scramble to cancel your UCI plans etc. Enjoy the rest of your Sr year and don’t look back

With UCI Regents, I would stay with your original decision. Best of luck.