<p>There have been some posts on this topic here, but I need more :-). I am trying to narrow down the list of schools to apply to next year, and would appreciate a more meaty discussion. Yes, I plan on visiting, but in the mean time I would appreciate info on the topics below. PLEASE BE SPECIFIC WHENEVER POISSIBLE.</p>
<p>Thanks - Da Geek</p>
<li><p>What are the top 3 things you like about ACADEMICS. I don’t not care about the social life/party scene.</p></li>
<li><p>Ditto for the top 2 things you dislike about academics.</p></li>
<li><p>How would you describe academic instruction - buttoned down/routine; focused on rote memorization; quirky/free-spirited; etc. Do instructors on average try to make it engaging, or is it a typical “lecture” thing?</p></li>
<li><p>How difficult it is to get into the classes you are interested in?</p></li>
<li><p>How would you rate the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies? I am mostly humanties-oriented, but I do like art and some of the sciences, and would not mind to get a broad taste of things.</p></li>
<li><p>When are you expected to declare a major? Do you apply to a specific college and then have to major there, or is it wide open, e.g., through sophomore year.</p></li>
<li><p>Are students generally helpful and supportive of each other, or is it dog-eat-dog? </p></li>
<li><p>Did you feel that you had adequate internship/practical experience opportunites. Please include your major when responding to this one.</p></li>
<li><p>Does the school feel like it is on the upswing or downswing? Are facilities properly maintained, particularly the library?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>You can go to studentsreview.com and see more details but from what I read, UCSD is a clean viable place and everyone is more laidback and friendly compared to other UCs. Usually people declare majors in their sophomore or junior years. In rare cases, people have taken 5-6 years to graduate. Half of the dorms are singles and the others doubles etc. Unless you ask for one, or are late in housing apps, you won't get a triple. You can always get a single, double or apartment style living situation. Lower Division classes are always harder to get into than upper division ones so use those AP credits!
Personally, UCSD does not have the best poli sci or foreign language dept but has a really good intl studies and science depts. The six college system makes the college experience seem more intimate so in terms of academics, that can be a good thing...but you may need a bike to get places. This is what I have heard or experienced when visiting there.</p>
<p>i have a question.. im planning to go to med school, but i heard ucsd's program is harder, thus, lower gpa and more concentrated on research but ucla's prog is more general and slightly easier... which is better in the long run? anyone know about the bio program and how rigorous it is? thanks</p>
<p>ooohnelle, the bio prog at each will be equally competetive and getting a high gpa will take lots and lots of hard work. I'd say, go with the school you like (as a whole) more. UCLA is has a much stronger social flavor than UCSD. BUt whatever you like better...</p>
<p>thanks =) ucla is my preference but ill go in as a transfer. i hear sd's bio is harder though, but ill have to talk to the admissions counselors and departments first.</p>