Hi guys so I recently got into the above schools, applied math for UCLA and UCB and Electrical/Computer Engineering at UCSD on UCD. I’m having trouble deciding on what to choose. I haven’t visited any of the campuses yet except UCLA, so I haven’t necessarily factored that into the decision process yet.
I guess one thing to note is that I would be entering UCSD as a Chancellor’s scholar, but the prices of the different schools are within 2-3 thousand dollars within each other in estimates.
I know I applied to the different schools as different majors, but my overall intent is to pursue computer science/engineering.
If I went to UCB, I would have the intent of switching to Comp Sci within L&S – I’m wondering if anyone can comment on the the overall rigor and atmosphere in terms of competitiveness in this area
Similar with UCLA, I would have the intent of switching to engineering.
(For both of these schools, how would you guys rate the overall feeling, pressure, and competitiveness within these majors?) <— Stress also plays a big factor
I am so indecisive and I need help 
For UCLA and UCB, consider the requirements to change into the CS or CSE major:
UCLA: http://www.seasoasa.ucla.edu/ls-to-engineering/ (3.500 prerequisite GPA to apply, but competitive with no assurance of admission)
UCB: http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/csugrad/#petitioning (3.30 prerequisite GPA to enter the L&S CS major)
If you want to change from ECE to CS/CSE at UCSD or UCD, consider their criteria. See links in
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19262574/#Comment_19262574
If majoring in CS/CSE is important to you, consider strongly the difficulty of entering the major. If you get stressed out over having to chase top-end grades or competitive admissions (remember, getting a 3.5 or 4.0 GPA in college is harder than in high school), you may want to prefer those where you are in your major already or can change into it easily.
My son faced a similar decision. He was admitted into CS at all the UCs, except UCB, where you have to wait 2 years to apply for it in L&S. He didn’t want to take the risk of not getting CS, so he decided to take the sure thing with Regents’ at UCSD. He now feels he did the right thing. He has benefitted greatly from getting special attention, doing research and having priority registration with a good selection of courses. He still has the choice of switching to Comp Eng if he wants to. The CS department seems to be doing especially well due to having received a large donation in 2013. It will be interesting to hear what others feel are the strong points about CS at the other campuses.
I’d pick UCSD. In addition to guaranteeing yourself an engineering major, you’d be getting all the benefits of a chancellor’s scholar including the connections and research experience. UCSD ECE is a strong program with cutting edge research and strong ties to industry.
in general Engineering / Science majors CAL > UCSD > UCLA
in this case, UCSD (ECE) > CAL (math) > UCLA (math)
even better UCSD (chancellor + ECE) >> CAL (math) > UCLA