<p>Hi parents!
It's Final Four time, and the clock is ticking. With four to still mull over, I can see a possibility it may come down to UCLA or UCSD, with UCSD having a financial edge because of Regents (we're out of state so $$ helps).
From everything I've managed to glean from CC, it appears that both schools would be excellent for a biology major (possible pre-med).
However, I'd like him to also enjoy his college experience, and that's where UCLA seems to have a decided edge. There's so much more to do with Division I sports, Westwood Village, etc. At UCSD/Revelle College, the emphasis seems to be heavily on study, study, study. While my son isn't into partying, he loves first-run movies and working out, and it's healthy to have some kind of release.
Can anyone compare the two schools in terms of "extra-curriculars?" or raise a red (or green) flag in terms of academics?
One last question: there seems to be a mix of opinion as to whether graduating in four years is a likelihood. I guess I'm naive, but I always felt four years was, or should be, the common goal. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>I live in California and UCSD is known as having more of a "boring" campus. I'm not sure to what extent this is actually true. Apparently, aside from the nearby (well - kind of nearby) beach, there isn't much to do around SD. On the other hand UCLA is supposed to be more interesting, what with Westwood and all. In terms of biology I would probably consider them equal, as SD is certainly moving up every year and has a great Medical school as well (for future consideration.) My friend recently got into UCSD and UCI and decided to go with UCI because she felt the kids at UCSD's Revelle College were a bit TOO studious and the whole environment just wasn't for her.
Good luck!</p>
<p>My sister was in Revelle many years ago, and her roommate was into parties, while my sister was trying to be the studious one. My sister had a bad experience there and so transferred to and graduated from UCLA and never regretted it.</p>
<p>I live in San Diego area and know many local kids who go to UCSD. General complaint: dead campus on the weekends--a lot of kids don't live on campus so they clear out after school; no big sports team to bring kids together on weekends. Two thumbs up on the science education, though.</p>
<p>graduating in four years is not as much a challenge as it appears by the grad rates. First, given the costs of educ, and the fact taht the UCs take a 1/3 of their class from lower income groups, many kids NEED to work part-time to support themselves or their families. For them, a five year grad rate is excellent. Second, there are plenty of classes at 8:00 am that are never full, nor are classes on Fridays. </p>
<p>UCLA would definitely be a better undergraduate experience, if your S enjoys sports and those rest. Westwood has many local theaters.</p>
<p>Both schools great for academics, UCLA better for EC's.</p>
<p>You can graduate from UCLA in four years but you need to be very sharp about managing your own degree requirements, noting pre-requisites, etc., and it helps a lot if you know how to play the game if a class you really want has full enrollment by the time you try to register.</p>
<p>On the other hand, a Regents scholarship opens many doors (internships/research opportunities/community involvement/advisor ) as well as offering an immediate group of potential friends. Also, I believe Regents are allowed to change colleges, though Revelle does have a superb reputation, especially for premed!
PS My son is also still making up his mind. UCSD w/ Regents & Yale seem to be the final two, but UCLA & Bezerk are also in the mix! GL!</p>