<p>def agree. no doubt USD is a good school, but it is private and you will get that kind of atmosphere there. </p>
<p>its like the silent spring gone theory for education</p>
<p>It entirely depends on what kind of college experience you are looking for, really. I was admitted to UCSD and USD on a scholarship, and I picked UCSD because, in my opinion, the atmosphere there is just so much more… collegiate. I really feel like I am in a place of higher knowledge and discovery at UCSD, while I feel that USD feels much more like a hotel or a resort. Beautiful, sure, but not academic enough for my tastes.</p>
<p>Plus, UCSD’s sciences simply blow USD and most other colleges out of the water :p</p>
<p>USD has a higher quality of education IMO. It may be a lot smaller, but better class size. Better on the resume.</p>
<p>^Smaller class sizes do not equate to a better education. The professors at UCSD are far superior in most cases, and the UCSD name is a good deal more prestigious than that of USD. And, as much as I hate it when people bring up rankings, UCSD is a much higher ranked school than USD.</p>
<p>USD holds 2 things over UCSD: their campus aesthetics, and their class sizes. That’s about it.</p>
<p>Regardless, as someone who has actually done hiring in the past for work (I was a software developer before going back to school to finish my degree), the college name only tends to be really important if the person went to an Ivy league or a school with a fantastically famous program (e.g. Carnegie Mellon for CS, or Northwestern if you want to be a journalist).</p>
<p>Even then, it’s a toss-up for employers: One of the biggest mistakes I ever made in hiring many years ago was a lady with a Harvard English degree. She turned out to be extremely non-productive and detrimental to team morale. She was eventually let go.</p>
<p>Your college name gets your foot in the door on your first real job-- maybe --but after that it’s your work experience and your references. Period.</p>
<p>I’m bringing it up because I see a lot of references to prestigiousness of school name on this board and I think a lot of is grounded solidly in fiction. I’m not even sure that school name matters that much for most grad schools-- maybe it does for Med. School?</p>
<p>In the end, it’s your performance that matters. Go to the college with the learning environment that suits you the most and don’t look back.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, it’s not even the name UCSD vs USD.</p>
<p>UCSD will probably give you a better education, especially once you’re in your upper division classes where class sizes generally become smaller. Plus, the research opportunities are just amazing here.</p>
<p>If OP’s son majors in BIO or any other science/engineering, it could be a easy call. But he’s not. If it’s my child, I would let him compare where he feel more comfortable with.
</p>
<p>I forgot something important - check the curriculum from both colleges to see which interest your son most, talk to the professor/staff on the Admitted Students Day.</p>
<p>^Yes, if S were majoring in the sciences then I think he’d choose UCSD without question. But since he’s planning on studying religion and philosophy, USD is in the running.</p>
<p>Thanks Watermark. That was our next step. To check the classes/curriculum offered and see which interests him more. Is there an online college catalog we could read through?</p>
<p>Anyone here majoring in philosophy or religion at UCSD that could provide some insight?</p>
<p>^Ah, then that’s quite a gamechanger! I would recommend USD in that case, then. I don’t know how great UCSD’s theology department is.</p>
<p>^ha! 
I think S is leaning more towards UCSD because of the collegiate experience, but I think studies-wise, he might get more at USD too. We’ll check the curriculum and the department to see what all they have to offer.</p>
<p>Funny thing, over 10 years ago I faced the same dilemma. I was able to go to UCSD via the TAG program, but decided on USD because Theology was my major, and mostly because I was “older,” and wasn’t looking for the “college-life.” So I can’t attest to how much of that he’d get at USD. It really is private resort-like atmosphere there. I loved it.</p>
<p>We’re in San Diego, but he’ll live in the dorms because he definitely wants the college life. So yes, I think the curriculum will be the deal-maker or breaker.</p>
<p>UCSD doesn’t have an actual Theology department/program, as far as I know.</p>
<p>If your DS knows that’s the major for him, I’d recommend USD all the way.</p>
<p>While both are highly reputed and well known schools in San Diego, the two campuses give off very different vibes. When it comes down to a dilemma over choosing two schools, I would recommend that you go visit both of them to find out which is a better fit for your son, especially since you’re right here in town . UCSD is definitely a top notch engineering school; its bioengineering and mechanical engineering programs are one of the tops in the nation with excellent research opportunities. However, I sense that your son has his mind set on philosophy/religious studies, and I honestly don’t know about the quality of these departments at UCSD. Another thing is that while I love the UCSD campus (I live across the street from it), I heard stories about its competitiveness and huge class sizes of introductory courses, which takes away the college experience, whereas classes at USD are smaller and students can generally have a closer relationship with professors. DO visit both campuses though…UCSD is hosting an orientation for admitted students on April 10th and I’m not sure about USD, but they should have a lot of information on their website. Don’t just walk around campus though. Talk to the students and faculty, sit through classes, and visit the dorms (maybe do an overnight stay)? Sorry I rambled quite a bit, I wish you guys the best in finding the perfect college =D!</p>
<p>@Oyama: We’re not all that familiar with UCSD Religion program either, but they do offer it as a major (or at least that’s what it states on S acceptance letter).</p>
<p>^Thanks for that syd200365: Yes, S has registered for admit days (overnight stays) at both colleges in April. I really think it will really help him with his decision-making. In the meantime, we’re trying to get contact for for both department heads to see if we can get an “interview” as well.</p>
<p>If he is leaning towards UCSD, I think it might be because of its reputation. Will keep everyone updated :)</p>