<p>I applied as a psychology major for both UCI and UCSD. (UCI as a psychology and social behavior major) I chose UCSD for psychology because I was interested in their B.S/M.S degree program and I really liked the campus. However, I have heard some negative things about the social scene at UCSD....I took a tour of UCI today and found that the campus was really beautiful, but it was hard to tell what the social scene was like because it just happened to be finals week. My question is....can someone give me the pros and cons of each school's Psychology program? If you had to chose between the two which would you chose and why?</p>
<p>(I have been accepted to both of the schools) </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>While I can't comment on the Psychology program, I can say that I would choose UCI over UCSD.
But then again, I've been planning to go to UCI for over the past year. </p>
<p>I hear alot of bad things about SD, and to tell you the truth, I can't really back any of these claims up. But judging from what I've heard, I can't say that SD would be a place I personally would aspire to go. I hear the competition is stiff, and the area is a cultural wasteland.</p>
<p>However, I can say that I've researched Irvine's pros and cons far more than SD, and I have to say that most of Irvine's cons are unfounded. </p>
<p>It isn't a commuter campus, they have the same percentage of students living on campus as just about every other UC, about 40%. In fact, it's more than Berkley Davis Riverside and San Diego.<br>
There is alot of stuff to do on the weekends if you have a car, there are so many nice things within 15 minutes of the campus. Newport, South Coast Plaza, shopping centers, nice resturants, you name it. If you don't have a car, just ride with someone else.
There is a social life. You'll make friends anywhere you go.
There are parties. They just aren't as brazen as somewhere like SB's. You'll find it if you're looking for it.</p>
<p>Like I said I'm biased, but in reality UCI is an amazing option. That's why I chose it.</p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>Anyother opinions???</p>
<p>The UCI/UCSD commuter campus issues don't pertain to the percentage of kids living on the campus. Those living in campus dorms at UC's are mostly freshman. UCI and UCSD have higher percentages of freshman who live at home and drive to the campus. At both schools many students living on campus go home on the weekends which makes for a quiet campus. The commuter issues involve the rest of the students. Neither school is located in a college town (the cities of Irvine and La Jolla). There is no centralized area around the campus where the majority of students both live and congregate. Large numbers of students drive in to school and park each day, thus the often lamented parking problems. After freshman year many students live in diverse areas away from the campus and are unable to walk or bike. At UCSD most students (not freshman) end up living about 20 minutes away (though there are shuttles). At UCB, UCLA, UCD, UCSC, and UCSB the vast majority of students all live in the immediate area surrounding their campus and there is plenty of walking/biking distance entertainment and housing (the costs vary dramatically from campus to campus). These schools also provide intricate public and university transit to serve the students. UCI has increased the on campus housing in recent years and more than doubled the size of it's on campus student center which has improved the environment. UCI's long range plan is to provide housing for 50% of the enrolled student population. It's good to have a car (or a friend who has a car) if you plan to attend UCI or UCSD. I agree that both schools are located near a lot of really cool places.</p>
<p>when did you find out you got into uci as psychology</p>
<p>I got my acceptance yesterday...although I had guaranteed admission as an ELC student....did you apply psych? or the psychology and social behavior degree?</p>
<p>ill tell you UCSD is no wasteland. It is in La Jolla, and if you love the beach then its perfect for you. Lets just say its location is beautiful, as for the social scene then yeah its not that great. In San Diego, when people want social scenes they go to SDSU.</p>
<p>lol!!!confirmation bias people!!!!!! LMAO</p>
<p>I graduated from UCI a few years ago and the progress they have made on campus life is incredible. Like the above-poster stated, they have more than doubled the size of the student center (which includes a pub) and also increase student housing. (A fraternity row is also being discussed).</p>
<p>If you are at all interested in sports, I would definitely pick UCI over UCSD. The administration at UCSD is very anti-sports and solely focused on scholastics.</p>
<p>The sports-programs at UCI has been on a continued upswing. The baseball team made it to the college word series last year and this year they are ranked #5 in the nation and attendance at the games have been phenomenal.</p>
<p>Men's volleyball was the national champions last year and doing pretty well this year and the bball team went to the Big West Championship game but lost to Fullerton.</p>
<p>You can definitely see UCI teams on ESPN2, but you will probably never see a UCSD team on tv.</p>
<p>UCI is not that great. Sure, its campus seems more beautiful and interesting, but the fact of the matter is that in terms of prestige UCSD knocks UCI down and farts in its face when it comes to the overall value of the education. And I'm pretty sure you won't find much better of a social life at UCI than at UCSD. UCSD is what you make of it. UCI is intensely asian so if you're not asian you'd better be prepared for those racist asian ppl who only hang out with their own kind. And also know for a fact that asians dont seem to party much or be social (Im asian so don't accuse me of being racist). Come to san diego, where the weather is warm and the ppl are chilled. UCSD is definitley the place to go to for PSYCHOLOGY! Its program is well renowned throughout the world. While, UCI doesn't have such recognition. If you want a top notch education in psychology choose UCSD and you won't be disappointed. I can't say the same for UCI.
Finally,who cares about UCI sports? UCI is not a college for sports. UCI is definitely not well known for its athletics, only UCLA (out of the UC system) has this recognition. Anyways, GO TRITONS!! UCSD IS SUPERIOR!</p>
<p>Thank you once again jasonlee576. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view. ;)</p>
<p>As for sports I think you forgot about a little school called Cal.</p>
<p>haha...thanks for the input....its going to be a tough decision</p>
<p>i live in san diego and i also dated a guy who goes to school there. the social scene there is dry. when you walk around it seems gloomy and filled of asian people who walk with their faces down. the city of la jolla isnt much either. yes it is a beautiful town... but the people there are SNOBS. theyre all rich white people. but there is a mall less than a mile away with a ice skating rink, theres grocery stores nearby, and if you go you should ask people about blacks beach. its a nude beach but its a long steep trip/hike to get down there (its mostly old naked guys though lol), but the views from the cliff up there is extraordinary. </p>
<p>theres not a lot of parties on campus though sororities and fraternities do hold them. you just need to know the right people. house parties are better. tijuana is a very shady place. to go down there you need a passport or birth certificate. it smells really bad there and are infested with homeless people. i would hold on to my important papers like my life relies on it. and if u take a car, the police will stop you and ask for money bribes.</p>
<p>It's really annoying collegemom about your sarcastic remarks. I would really prefer to let students express themselves freely so other people can make up their minds. Yes some of the opinions could be skewed and biased hence they are opinions. We don't need a PC person here.</p>
<p>Hmm....there's been a lot of negative stuff said about both schools...any positive input??? :-/</p>
<p>I apologize BlueDuckie for not addressing your question, but I wanted to answer a few of the criticisms directed towards UCSD.</p>
<p>Just recently having stumbled across this site, I'm really surprised by the negative sentiment towards UCSD. UCSD's social scene will never be confused for Santa Barbara's, but we're comparing UCSD here to UC Irvine. UC Irvine is a great school, but in many respects it's UCSD's less prestigious twin brother. The demographics of the student body are similar (UCSD probably having the edge in diversity). Both are currently commuter schools in affluent areas generally unfriendly towards college students. Sure UCI students can live on the Penninsula, but UCSD students can live in Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach. Once you're over 21, San Diego >> Irvine. Both student bodies are very hard-working. Neither have strong social scenes, but I would be <em>shocked</em> if UCI's is better than UCSD's.</p>
<p>With that said, I think there are many good reasons to pick UCI over UCSD and I think the strength of the BS/MS psychology program would definitely be one if it turns out to be stronger.</p>
<p>Full Disclosure: I've lived and taken classes on both campuses.</p>
<p>Columbia_Student perhaps you need to go and review the rules and standards of this message board. We are all free to voice our opinions but NOT to do so in a disparaging way. It is easy to put across your point in a civil fashion.</p>
<p>I just wanted to say it's down to UCI and UCSD for me too, excluding private schools. I live 20 minutes away from UCI so that alone makes it a little less appealing... but the fact that people coin it as a "commuter school" turns me off. I never realized that UCSD is on the same page until I read this thread, though. </p>
<p>What attracts me to UCSD is the college system (I got into Marshall). My first choice is a liberal arts college, but at UCSD it seems like I can get a little bit of that too. I haven't visited the campus yet, but I intend to (admit day!). I've visited UCI multiple times and it's definitely a very quiet campus (which may be a good or bad thing depending on what you like). I didn't get to see any of the dorms, but generally the buildings vary, I think. Some are old looking and some are very nice. Nothing beautiful in particular though. Their fitness or recreation center or whatever is very nice, clean, and new looking.</p>
<p>Also, I put my major at UCSD as cognitive science. UCI doesn't offer any major like this (unless I"m mistaken) and I just settled for biology, so that's also another negative.</p>
<p>Anyway, I'll be watching this thread for any updates!</p>
<p>collegemom,one student in the UCSB forum has already asked you to stop your sarcastic comments. It seems like you are stalking these forum just to catch students expressing themselves with your sarcastic comments. They are not helpful.</p>
<p>What is not helpful are disparaging and stereotyping remarks about campuses, regions and races. Once again review the rules of this message board.</p>