<p>S just got accepted to both UCSD and USD, and weighing his options (financial aid, awaiting other decisions, etc). </p>
<p>He does plan to go to grad school, so we're wondering if the college he chooses for undergrad will affect his acceptance to grad school later?</p>
<p>If you had the choice between UCSD -vs- USD, which would you select? And why? Any input that would help him decided would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I had to make this exact decision a few years ago! I will just provide you with a clean list of why I chose UCSD over USD:
<p>I got a $70,000 scholarship at USD that I turned down, and USD is the most gorgeous campus I’ve seen. But, I’m happy with my decision. Good luck to you and your son!</p>
<p>Hey ucsandiego915, thanks for that!</p>
<p>I should have added this to the original post, but my S is actually pursuing a degree in religious studies and philosophy. </p>
<ol>
<li>I attended USD (almost 10 years ago) and other than requiring two courses in religious studies (of any religion) it didn’t seem very religious at all.</li>
<li>S likes both small and large campuses</li>
<li>Location-wise they both seem perfect. Although USD does have the most beautiful campus.</li>
<li>Yes, we think UCSD is ranked higher too - that’s kind of why he’s thinking UCSD would be better for grad school admissions. But doesn’t USD have an excellent Law School?</li>
</ol>
<p>This was the real hook - they offered him a $60,000 scholarship. Very hard to turn down, but since tuition is a lot more at USD, we’re thinking out of pocket cost is going to turn out to be about the same at both schools.</p>
<p>Thanks again!:)</p>
<p>i think it really comes down to the feel of the campus for your son. </p>
<p>usd will prob have more room in classes</p>
<p>ucsd will be more diverse, which is always a priceless experience.</p>
<p>Same problem here: D accepted to USD with $20,000 per year scholarship and invitation to apply for Honors Program. Accepted to UCSD on Monday (Revelle). Chemistry major. Waiting for USC, which has always been her out-front first choice. UCSD was second, but now she wonders if she’s not smart enough (I think she is pessimistic about USC). Always wanted big university, but now I think she is leaning toward USD. </p>
<p>Her father thinks she would be crazy to turn down UCSD, even though it is going to be significantly more expensive for us (OOS). </p>
<p>Any advice? Is the reputation of UCSD going to make a big difference? </p>
<p>Anybody else weighing these two?</p>
<p>UCSD is a huge school in science (esp. Bio & Chem), which is more reputable than USD for sure. </p>
<p>I’m just curious about the tuition for OOS student: don’t they get California residency after their first year at UCSD? They are eligible for in-state tuition after the first year, right?</p>
<p>Thanks. I know it’s a big science school. I guess that’s what my husband is thinking of. I think D is just intimidated – in all honesty, she didn’t think she had a chance of getting in. “A” student (don’t know GPA), high class ranking, decent SATs, most rigorous program at H.S., but they don’t offer AP. I’m sure being an out-of-stater helped (they want the OOS money). But, she is a bright girl – very focused and hard-working-- I’m sure she would succeed. I hope she’ll work up the self-confidence. </p>
<p>Wish it were true about the out-of-state turning into in-state, but I’m sure that is not the case.</p>
<p>UCSD has a pretty good page on this that might help: [How</a> to Change Your Nonresident Status to Resident](<a href=“http://www.ucsd.edu/current-students/finances/fees/residence/status-change.html]How”>How to Apply for a Change of Classification)</p>
<p>dilettante^ to answer your question about OOS they would not get in-state rates the second year.</p>
<p>When my husband was in graduate school, his American classmates were considered in-state students after the first year. I’m not sure whether graduate school is different than college in their definition of “residence”.</p>
<p>Well seeing as I havent gotten in UCD yet <.< and I put down communication as my major for both UCSD and UCD. I would go to UCSD for my major, since it is overall a better school (NOT BY MUCH :D, least for my major it isnt) and I want to go a SoCal.</p>
<p>Residency is determined by where the parents live, not the dependent. In order to get instate tuition, the PARENTS have to take CA as their residence, not the dependent.</p>
<p>Hope that cleared things up :)</p>
<p>^ yeah i live 20 minutes from ucd. in sac its super hot in the summers (110 and so on) and cold as all hell (for us at least) in the winter. plus i hate rain.</p>
<p>san diego FTW</p>
<p>^Cold as all hell in Sacramento!?!?!?!?!?! You’re on crack!</p>
<p>To those talking about UC Davis – the OP is comparing UC San Diego and U of San Diego.</p>
<p>USD over UCSD in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>UCSD over USD in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>@Oyama, thank you.</p>
<p>@tornados & predicthisflick: can you share your reason(s)?</p>
<p>S is still trying to decide… Registered for admit days at both colleges and hopefully that will help.</p>
<p>usd is private. you will get private minds there. go somewhere diverse and learn a lot more IMO</p>
<p>^I think this is why it’s difficult to compare the two. It’s like comparing apples with oranges.</p>