<p>I got accepted to both schools, and yes, I do realize that UCSD is higher in terms of rank. I applied as a computer science engineer for UCI and computer engineer for UCSD (which I plan to change to a comp sci if I do attend). HOWEVER, I REALLY want to go to UCI because it is closer to home and I feel like it is the right school for me. UCSD is too far (2 hrs - i know you guys might be thinking it's not that far, but it is to me) and I feel like it will be too competitive for my major.
My parents are not willing to listen to me and they want me to go to UCSD because it's a better school....how should I let them understand that I really do want to go to UCI? I really don't care about how prestigious it is or "the name" or whatever...</p>
<p>irvine usually has more financial aid so tell them that hah irvines way better in CSE</p>
<p>how do you check financial aid?</p>
<p>If you feel more comfortable going to UCI and feel that you do better then i think you should go to UCI. After all, it doesn’t really really matter what school you go to for undergrad, it’s gradschool that matters…</p>
<p>@sportsfan: i KEEP telling my parents that, but they’re like “if you want to go to a grad school, you should go to a good undergrad so they’ll look at you better” … omg i really don’t know what to do =( uci has been my #1 choice and ucsd never even crossed my mind before</p>
<p>the only option would be if I got into UCLA (since its closer lol) but ucla is way out of my league =_=</p>
<p>@purplet1ger- as a parent, I can understand how your folks feel. However, you are the one who is going away for 4 years. You have to be comfortable with the school YOU attend. My son has been accepted at a number of fine schools, including UCI and UCSD, but he really likes another one that I have reservations about from a ranking and recognition standpoint.</p>
<p>UCSD is ranked is ranked 37th, nationally, in USNews and UCI is ranked 45th. That is not a significant difference in my book. I know I’ve seen some of your posts, but don’t recall your major. But if it is computer science or something of that nature, Orange County has a much larger base of tech companies than San Diego. Nothing against San Diego at all, but the job pool is much larger in the LA/OC region.</p>
<p>So, my general view is 1. Affordability. You don’t want to graduate with $150K debt. 2. Fit. You could be accepted to Harvard, but if it isn’t a good fit for you, personally, then you won’t do well and you’ll be miserable for 4 years. 3. Quality of education. I think both schools are pretty close, as the rankings reflect. It’s a toss-up.</p>
<p>Research both schools extensively and present your case to your parents. Right now, it sounds like they’re viewing it in purely emotional, not fully-educated manner.</p>
<p>So, don’t argue with them. Educate them.</p>
<p>All the best to you.</p>
<p>From what I have heard, computer science major is better at Irvine. Go with Irvine since you prefer it over SD and there really isn’t much of a difference. Congrats for making it. I’m so jealous.</p>