UCSD or Ivy?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I've ensneared myself in a conundrum of proportions unequaled by the mass of a Schwarzchild black hole. To put it simply, I have been admitted to my top two schools of choice: Harvard University and UCSD (psychology, pre-law). Harvard has always been my dream school, but UCSD is just located in such a beautiful place and (according to what I've heard) hosts a very socially appealing atmosphere. However, as my parents make less than the $40K salary requirement per year, Harvard is offering me a free education! Nevertheless, UCSD is very close to the beach, and I am very much looking forward to learning how to surf and swim. I really would love to go to Harvard, and I believe it would be a great opportunity, but I am very worried about the weather and location (I'm already used to the sunny weather of Southern California). Furthermore, I feel that since UCSD has such a booming population, I will be able to make more contacts for the future than I would a Harvard.</p>

<p>Can anyone help me out in this situation? I truly am stuck and do not, by any means, want to make the wrong decision. Thanks a lot! And congrats to those admitted!</p>

2

<p>if ur gonna make connections anyway..harvard would be one of the best places to make them</p>

3

<p>yeah, but I figured that since Harvard is so much smaller than UCSD, I'd probably have a better chance at making connections at a larger school...
I may be in the wrong, but it just seems like UCSD would be the place for connecting with frontiersmen in the field of psychology</p>

4

<p>This is a tough decision and it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into it. Most people would probably say go to Harvard, especially because you're pre-law, but I disagree. You've raised some astute points that I think tip the scales in favor of UCSD.</p>

<p>The biggest point in favor of Harvard is the cost: a free college education is a wonderful deal. However, lawyers make tons of money. In the long run, 100k is squat to a lawyer. I think what matters most is maximizing your chances of getting into law school, while also having fun. So, honestly, the money probably isn't that big of a deal. If you become a lawyer, you will be able to pay off your loans in a few years.</p>

<p>The next biggest reason to go to Harvard is the prestige. However, UCSD is skyrocketing up the rankings and newsweek called us the "hottest school for science." What matters is the prestige of the college in 10 years when you're applying for a job, not the prestige right now. Anyway, prestige is way overrated. Don't care what other people think about your college. Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can, and be the controller of your own destiny.</p>

<p>Let's look at career goals: you want to become a lawyer. As a lawyer, your undergraduate degree will be useless. The prestige of Harvard will only matter when you apply to law school, and even that will be eclipsed by your GPA. It will be much easier to earn a strong GPA at UCSD than at Harvard. Also, as a lawyer, networking contacts will be extremely important. UCSD has many networking opportunities and a humongous alumni base. With so many students graduating each year, you will find UCSD grads in every city across the country. Harvard graduates fewer students and will thus have fewer people to network with.</p>

<p>Second, let's examine your life goals: you want a fun environment that's socially fulfilling. UCSD's climate is great. The weather is nice here every day. On the east coast, it's overcast and snowy in the winter, and it's humid and swelteringly hot in the summer. Also, the beach is wonderful. I go there multiple times a day when I have the time. Living in such a great place really enhances the quality of my life, and that in turn leads to greater academic performance. Many people buckle under the pressure at Harvard and get depressed. If you choose Harvard, that's a reality you will have to face. Socially, UCSD can be kind of quiet. At nights and on the weekends, there aren't that many people walking around. However, that's just because everyone is inside or off campus having fun. Harvard is full of stuck up, spoiled rich kids, not the people you want to make friends with, and not the people who will make your life worthwhile.</p>

<p>I think you're brave for challenging the standard college paradigm of prestige, prestige, prestige. Most people would say Harvard plainly for the prestige, but I don't think the goal of life is to be prestigious. If you look more closely, UCSD offers many benefits that Harvard simply cannot. At UCSD, you'll have a higher GPA (which will get you into a better law school) you'll have more fun (with the great weather and the beach). Both schools are great, and I don't think you can go far wrong with either, but I would recommend UCSD over Harvard. UCSD is great!</p>

5

<p>well going to a bigger school doesnt mean ull automatically meet more ppl. U have opportuniitse to meet more ppl but meeting everyone and finding ppl who have the rich connections u want may be fewer in quantity rather than at Harvard even though Harvard is smaller. </p>

<p>I think the real decision you're torn against is Harvard's ultimate prestige and the potential of the great experience you can have at SD. If i were you, as much as others will bash me for saying it, I'd choose SD. It seems like you are the type of student who can/will excell wherever you go, and you can go to SD, have 4 years of irreplaceable memories and experiences in So Cal and get a good GPA and just go to Harvard for Grad.</p>

6

<p>Wow, Slorg, you've really touched on a lot of points worth considering. Yeah, I felt that getting a Harvard undergraduate education would not be all that significant, as my law degree is what matters most. Do you think I have a better chance of getting into law school from UCSD than from Harvard?</p>

<p>Also, I've been trying to tell my parents that if they pay for my education at UCSD instead of making me go to Harvard, I will pay them back when I start making money as a lawyer. It's almost a foolproof plan! They don't seem like they're taking too kindly to this suggestion though.</p>

<p>As for the social life, I have heard rumors about UCSD being socially dead, but I think that college is really what you make of it and that the presence of a good athletics program (like the one at UCSD) will really contribute to the overall atmosphere, which is why I don't think I will have a problem socially.</p>

<p>I will show my parents your post and see what they think of it. From the way you put it, however, UCSD seems like an excellent option, and I think I will really be able to convince my parents to let me go. Thank you!</p>

7

<p>Harvard would open a lot of doors for you...and there would be the great alumni network.</p>

8

<p>Harvard Hopeful:</p>

<p>You definitely would have a better chance of getting into a top law school, such as Harvard Law School, if you had a high GPA from UCSD instead of a low GPA from Harvard.</p>

<p>Well, if worse comes to worst, you can always pay for UCSD by yourself, with loans. Since your parents make less than 40k per year, I would guess that you could get quite a bit of aid.</p>

<p>Definitey choose UCSD. It's a much better school than Harvard.</p>

9

<p>
[quote]
t will be much easier to earn a strong GPA at UCSD than at Harvard.

[/quote]

I strongly strongly doubt that. UCSD, like all UCs is very difficult and will have a good number of high caliber students who will make curves difficult. Harvard on the other hand is known for grade INFLATION and you will probably earn a higher GPA at Harvard. I would also like to believe that Harvard's prelaw advising will be more personal than at UCSD. You would have to check with current students at both schools, but I'm leaning towards the private for a more personal education. Also, Harvard will get you amazing opportunities upon graduation. If you choose to take a year off, Harvard will get you a better job right off the bat. Many top firms only recruit at top colleges, some are narrow enough to only recruit at Harvard and Wharton (very few, but still notable).</p>

<p>
[quote]
yeah, but I figured that since Harvard is so much smaller than UCSD, I'd probably have a better chance at making connections at a larger school...

[/quote]

The Harvard alumni network is probably much more loyal than the UCSD network. Again, check with recent grads, but Harvard alums love Harvard. Also, I find that at larger schools, it becomes more cliquish, while at smaller schools you get to know your fellow undergrads better. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Harvard is full of stuck up, spoiled rich kids, not the people you want to make friends with, and not the people who will make your life worthwhile.

[/quote]

This basically doesn't cover the other people on financial aid like you. Many students go to Harvard on full financial aid, or a significant amount of aid. They certainly are not rich and stuck up. </p>

<p>The one thing you do have to concern yourself with is how are you going to commute to Harvard in the fall and come back? Are you going to work to pay for air fare? Will Harvard cover it as part of your aid package? Aside from that concern, if you are a San Diego native, there are many benefits for staying close to home. If you are sick, your parents can pick you up and take you to the doctor. If you are doing research, you can do it year round rather than having to stay on the other side of the country away from your family.</p>

<p>Overall, I would say go to Harvard. The opportunities you gain with a Harvard degree can't be beat and are hard to match. UCSD is a great school, but will never reach the Harvard level of name recognition in America or world wide. I strongly encourage you to visit Harvard before making your final decision. It is your decision, and you should know what you may be turning down.</p>

10

<p>Grade inflation is overstated. Harvard is full of top-performing students. Even with the best students in the country, students who've been raised to succeed academically, the average graduating GPA is less than 3.5. It's true that Harvard's average GPA is a little higher than UCSD's, but that is due to the performance of the student body, not grade inflation. I talked to my english professor, and she said it was easier to earn an A at UCSD than at Princeton, another grade-inflated ivy. Right now, I slack off all the time and my GPA is very high. I have no doubt it would be much, much harder at Harvard.</p>

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<p>that is the most stupid thing i've heard. ur comparing UCSD with HARVARD??? just go to the damned ivy and ur pretty much gonna be set for life.</p>

12

<p>I agree with dreamer. This discussion is inane. Also, UCSD doesn't have a pre-law program, so how can you be admitted to it?</p>

<p>To community: I'm thinking this post is a hoax.</p>

13

<p>a hoax?</p>

<p>it would be a pretty dumb hoax since it's really not funny in any sense</p>

14

<p>UCSD vs Harvard aka the most famous university in America, Hahahahhahah</p>

15

<p>Hey guys, </p>

<p>Allow me to clarify some misunderstandings. When I scribed "pre-law," I intended to indicate my future career plans and foci. I didn't intend to imply any sort of participation in a pre-law program. As you know, many students at UCSD are "pre-med" despite there existing no such program.</p>

<p>I am still torn between the schools and I am still talking over the decision with my parents. They are extremely displeased at my consideration of UCSD, but they're coming around, I think.</p>

<p>Should I send SIRs to both schools? Will they do anything if I said I would attend but don't? Can they find out if I send two SIRs?</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice guys!</p>

16

<p>why would you send SIRS to both schools when you still have a month to decide :/</p>

<p>why are your parents so displeased with your consideration of UCSD? are they blinded by prestige? </p>

<p>go to harvard bc it's free</p>

17

<p>Please. Go To Harvard. Dont Think Abt It.</p>

18

<p>You have a tough decision to make.</p>

<p>I would probably recommend you to go to Harvard since its a full ride. For me to attend to UCSD, i would have to pay all four years, meaning ill graduate with 100k in loans. I guess its not bad if you think you CAN pay it back, but i doubt that you'll get a decent job after getting your degree. It takes some time getting a good paying job that will help pay off your loans. I would practically go to any private school that offers me a free ride since its in a smaller community, meaning better education (i wished i have applied to more privates). You wouldn't have to worry about paying it off when you get out, meaning you will be more focused on your work. Liberal Arts school always have the best kind of education you can get.</p>

<p>UCSD however, might be a good considerate too. Even though people say its socially dead, it doesn't mean it IS! It all depend on your personality and how you make of it. If you choose to be in your room all day, then so be it. You might enjoy the UCSD atmosphere with less stress around you. On top of that, like you mentioned, the beaches. It is quite a relaxing place to go on the weekends when people tend to leave the campus. If your loans isn't very high, then UCSD might be the good candidate. College isn't about going to "brand-named" school, but it is for you to enjoy your stay there, not be miserable. I chose UCSD over LA even though LA has better recognitions. But then again, Harvard and UCSD is a big gap in prestigiousness.</p>

<p>If your parents are forcing you to go to Harvard, they might know whats best for you, but then again not. It is up for you to decide, but don't do it in a manner that it'll dissapoint your parents.</p>

19

<p>go go harvard!!!!!!!!!!</p>

<p>i order you!!!!!!!!!</p>

20

<p>Wow...what a toughie. If it were me last year I know I'd be too in awe from the prestige, but now that I'm at UCSD I think I might choose SD over Harvard too, if I was in your shoes. Prestige is indeed way overrated, as it's not where you go, it's what you make of your degree.</p>

<p>I really don't think at UCSD you'd be able to have a way higher GPA than compared to Harvard though, private schools are known for massive grade inflation, and think about it-those rich snobby kids have to pay a supreme price to get in, and so they're somewhat paying for their grades as well. This applies to a lot of up-there privates, where it's hard to get in, easy to graduate (i've heard this phrase for a lot of private schools). At a UC, the public school system wants to weed some people out, but at least at UCSD if you work hard enough the grades aren't gonna be hard to get. </p>

<p>But I think you should just go with your gut decision. Visit both schools-then think about it...would u be able to picture yourself happier at UCSD or Harvard? That's what ultimately matters.</p>