UCSD, UCR, or University of Redlands

State Forums
1

Hello,
I have been accepted to UC San Diego, UC Riverside, and University of Redlands to just mention a few. These 3 colleges are the ones I am deciding between due to their location and what they’re offering me both academically and financially. To keep in mind, I’m a low income student and my major is english because I’m pursuing teaching. I also plan on pursuing my master’s degree.

At UCSD- The Pros
-I have the opportunity for a good education considering it’s ranked quite well among other schools.
-The location of La Jolla is beautiful and I’d have a great dorm experience.
-I have a potential roommate to live with on campus.
The Cons
-I am very close to my parent and I know I’d be homesick often if I lived on campus
-I am not being offered a full ride here so more than likely I’d be taking out around $7,000 in loans every year

At UCR- The Pros
-it’s close to home
-it’s ranked better than University of Redlands
-I’ve heard it has a good english program.
-I’m being offered a full ride
-more than likely, I would be a part of the University Honors Program
The Cons

  • it’s ranked lower than UCSD
  • the area isn’t that great
  • I would be attending school with a lot of the same people I went to high school with

At University of Redlands- The Pros

  • small campus
  • I was accepted to be part of the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies
  • I’m being offered a full ride
  • it’s close to home
  • I’ve heard good things about the school however I don’t know much
    Cons
    -ranked lower than both UCR and UCSD
    -I don’t know much about their academic rigor

Please give me some insight into where I should go. I need advice.

2

As a graduate of UC Riverside…they have top notch programs (many in 2018 US News Top 100) and great people with that University of California name which everyone knows. Is growing faster than ANY OTHER UC for a reason. UCSD>UCR>Redlands academically, but if you are low income and got full rides only at UCR and Redlands than that is a major consideration. I’d go with UC Riverside if you want to pursue a Masters Degree or higher along with that full ride. Redlands is a much smaller private (expensive) college which will give you a personal touch…since you received a full ride there as well check it out. Take a tour at all locations which should aid in your decision. Congrats on getting in to all three with a full ride at two of them…nice to have choices like that!

3

It comes down to UCR and Redlands, so I think you should visit both again, maybe talk to current students/professors, see if there’s any extracurriculars at one vs. the other to determine the “fit”. Don’t worry about rank, just pick one you’ll thrive at and you’ll be set

4

i agree - ignore the rank. visit see which you like. If the net cost of attendance is similar, follow your heart.