<p>Decisions have come back, and I'm deciding between UCSD-Marshall, and Occidental. After financial aid and scholarships, the price comes out about the same. I'd really appreciate some insight onto the type of vibe/students that would fit into either school. Any help or insight would be valuable!</p>
<p>what do you want to major in? What attracts you to Occidental and do you want to participate in some of their signature programs (UN semester, etc)?
Oxy’s advantage is a more personalized touch and interactice classes, a closer-knit community, and no impaction/budget cuts.
UCSD is a UC AND a top-tier UC at that.
The vibe is quite different at both but I’ll leave that to the CA specialists.
There’s also the matter of SD vs. LA 
Where do you live right now? I’m a proponent (when financially feasible) of moving to another town or region for college rather than staying close to home, but ymmv.</p>
<p>I’m undeclared-social sciences at UCSD and undeclared at Occidental. I live up in NorCal right now, so its definitely going to be a fairly new experience at either school. Honestly, I’m leaning towards Occidental except I’ve heard there is a (ironic) lack of diversity at the school. </p>
<p>Oxy is pretty diverse for a high-level LAC, but obviously a school that’s 1/10th the size of UCSD will have … smaller classes but fewer people from various ethnic and cultural groups. I wouldn’t let that stop you if Oxy is your favorite.</p>