I’ve been accepted into UCI for business administration and UCSD for undeclared social sciences (although I’m pretty sure I’m going to declare economics) and right now… I’m completely confused about which university to go to… Honestly, I feel like I’ll enjoy business administration more than economics at UCSD, because although I do well enough in math and economics, I don’t really enjoy it.
I’m more of a business student and I want to get an MBA in the future, and I don’t know which university will help with getting me in a better program. So far, this is my stance on both universities.
UCSD:
- better campus buildings + the super cool library (I’m judging solely based on pictures because I couldn’t visit both), so correct me if I’m wrong)
- a more competitive student body
- more rigorous coursework (based on what I read, but again, correct me if I’m wrong)
- harder to get a high GPA
- economics is a capped major, so I’m afraid I won’t even be able to declare it once I finish the prerequisites
- I’m accepted in ERC and there’s the MMW course (an extensive history course that takes 2 years to complete) that I have to take
- better rankings than UCI (although just this year UCI ranked higher in US News)
- close to the zoo and there’s La Jolla for shopping
UCI:
- relatively easier to get a high GPA, since students are more laid-back
- the Paul Merage School of Business is still very new, so I’m not quite sure about how good their undergraduate program is
- supposedly more internship opportunities (because of the major + location)
- a lot less diversity (waaaay more Asians. I’m Asian too, but I was kind of looking for more diversity, is the whole “only Asians fit in UCI” stereotype overblown?)
- less prestige
- close to Disneyland
Prestige sort of matters in the community I’m in and that’s the biggest reason I’m leaning towards UCSD. Also, I heard that UCSD’s economics program is one of the best and so there’s more pride in that maybe? I don’t know. There’s a lot more hoops to jump through for UCSD though, as I’d have to get a good enough score in the math placement exam first and get good enough grades in the prerequisites to declare the economics major since it’s a CAPPED major.
Sorry for rambling on, but at this point, I’m super confused about whether the prestige of UCSD is worth all the extra hard work for a major I don’t like as much (prestige sort of matters in the community I’m in, but I guess I’m willing to overlook it if the pros for uci outweigh ucsd’s prestige). Aside from prestige though, I don’t know if there are any overwhelming factors that should affect my decision. I’m super indecisive and confused, so any inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks!