UCLA vs. UCSD as a bioengineering major

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>I've basically narrowed down these as my top two choices. I've been accepted by both as a bioengineering major (and at UCSD, I got into Warren college). I'm definitely not expecting this forum to make up my mind for me but I'd definitely appreciate it if someone can provide any info or personal experiences that will help guide my decision (as long as the tours of each school I will take in 2 weeks).</p>

<p>Here's my main issue. I have just recently found out that UCSD is considered a top 5 school nationwide for biomedical engineering. I always knew it was great at bioengineering but I didn't know it was ranked so much higher than some of the other schools I would've liked going to.</p>

<p>But despite UCSD's insanely high rankings for my major, I'm currently leaning towards UCLA. Academically, I feel UCLA is simply more well-rounded overall and this would be a definite plus in case I changed my mind in the future and wanted a different major. I feel that UCLA provides me for flexibility. Additionally, I simply feel like I'd enjoy the UCLA atmosphere better as I'd love to be in the middle of a big city and be closer to home.</p>

<p>Is this a stupid choice and/or is my motivation behind it stupid? Would I be an idiot to not go to a higher ranked university (UCSD, for my major)? Or do you think this would be a good decision since UCLA still has a good bioengineering program?</p>

<p>Thank you for any help.</p>

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<p>Send me a PM, if you want I can talk to you over the phone or on IM. I’m a fourth year Bioengineer taken all but 1 class needed to graduate with the degree.</p>

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<p>My roommate was in the same situation as you. He was a mechanical engineering major and he knew SD had a great program but he eventually went with LA because the prestige of the college was more important to him. I would’ve done the same too. I think LA is a world class university and its “UCLA”, everybody knows what school this is. SD is not as well-rounded as LA in terms of offering great programs in all majors as opposed to just one specialization (engineering and bio-related things). This flexibility is important because alot of freshman change their minds about what they wanna do after taking classes at the university. I would go for the prestige plus LA is funner and has a football team :wink: Alot of my friends complain what a downer it is to go to a college without one and i agree haha</p>

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<p>^ +1. i chose ucla bio over ucsd bioE</p>

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<p>Too bad UCLA football sucks!! :mad: If you want a good football team, go to USC.</p>

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<p>@Grassbandit if you pay attention to recruiting, we’re on track for better times starting in 2011. Tough OOC schedule this next season, so the word is a 7-6 finish, but I’m really pulling for the 2011 season when we have a more mature Prince/Brehaut</p>

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<p>Sports aren’t a major factor in my decision but I would definitely love to go to a school whose at least Division I.</p>

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<p>Just added you to Gchat helljumper, just accept the invite when you want to talk. In any case, I chose UCLA over UCSD and I’m happy since although I ended up staying in BioEng, I was able to pursue my interests in many other fields (business, nanotech, comp sci) while I was here at school.</p>

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<p>@Deuces, let me know when UCLA plays in the BCS Championship game.</p>

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<p>hang on until pigs fly. It might be awhile, but I think in a few years we have a chance at some real bowls (including a BCS Bowl)</p>