<p>Okay, so ucsd has been my absolute dream school since i cant even remember when. I went there for their summer program and fell in love with everything about it. However, i got ucla and cal as well. (cal is out of the question) but im having a really hard time deciding between la and sd. i know that ucla is ultimately a better school based on prestige, athletics, greek life (not that i care so much), academics (?), and opportunity (as a future alumni). Im a biochem major at ucsd and an environmental science major at ucla (both subject to change but something in the sciences for sure) I know that ucla has a lot of stronger aspects but theres something that keeps me wanting ucsd as well. Whats your take? can you give me some pros/cons of both colleges?</p>
<p>well, you DID say sd is your dream school right? </p>
<p>i would say, go visit both schools and actually STAY OVER for a few nights with friends who are already there (if possible), and go to some classes, eat at cafeterias, check out social outings, etc with your friends as LA/SD and maybe sit in on some general chem/bio classes to get a feel. staying over immerses you in the college life and gives you a more comprehensive look than a college tour does.</p>
<p>well SD is known for its sciences and SD's ranking is due to the research money/opportunities students get.</p>
<p>Don't assume that UCLA is stronger than UCSD academically in all areas - especially the sciences. UCSD is stronger in some areas than UCLA.</p>
<p>Namely the natural sciences, computer sciences, and some engineering majors.</p>
<p>would ucla be better for me in the long run though? if i choose to switch majors into biochem at ucla? my parents and everyone around me are really pushing ucla and on the prestige level, its making a big difference in my mind.</p>
<p>honestly.. i would think that UCLA is better. if i got into UCLA, i'd go there in a heartbeat! plus, like you said, in terms of the future and connections, UCLA defenitely has an advantage.</p>
<p>pattiecake to be frank it looks like you have your mind made up already anyway.</p>
<p>I gave up UCLA for UCSD for Joint Math/Econ and Comp Science. UCSD has enough prestige to be heavily recruited by big industries.</p>
<p>flong: i dont.</p>
<p>pattiecake if ur family is really pushing you for LA for the obvious benefits of name recognition then you might have to go for it. it'll be better than having ur parents later on in life harp at you about choosing SD over LA and using it as an excuse for everything that may go wrong in finding a job or going to grad school or doing anything.</p>
<p>I chose UCSD because I felt way more at home here than I did at UCLA or Cal. Don't let prestige blind you into choosing a school that you don't think will give you a great college experience. I don't regret coming here AT ALL.</p>
<p>sorry flong but i'm gonna have to disagree with you there. pattiecake if you wanna go to ucsd then go, and disregard any **** you might get from your parents for your decision. after all, it's your education, not theirs, and if they they can't respect your choice then uhhh you need better parents or something i dunno.</p>
<p>UCLA, it's recognized by everyone as being the number 3 public school in America. When you tell people you went there, you dont have to explain anything...they already know how great it is.</p>
<p>So Berkeley is the #1 public school, then who's #2?</p>
<p>University of Michigan</p>
<p>or University of Virginia.</p>
<p>Rankings change every year.</p>
<p>I would to go UCSd, it has a superior bio/natural science program.</p>
<p>ucla is making it freaking impossible to choose. i was recently interviewed for the ucla alumni scholarship and although i might/probably won't get it, at least they gave me the opportunity. Ucla also send me the scholarship recognition award and its really pretty! ... im still hooked on UCSD - i love the campus, atmostphere, distance from home (far but not too far); everything. But is it worth turning down?</p>
<p>-incredibly confuzzled.</p>
<p>xopattiecakeox:</p>
<p>what is your major?</p>