UCSD vs UCD hard decision!

<p>Hello to all,</p>

<p>I am a transfer student from the SF bay area currently debating between these two schools. I have my TAG agreement to UCD in Biotechnology: Bioinformatics and recently got accepted into UCSD Bioengineering: Bioinformatics. I have done a lot of research, but I still cannot decide which would be best for me.</p>

<p>I have heard very good things about Biotech at UCD. I know that UCD takes care of their students after graduation and has relationships with bay area Biotech/Pharmaceutical companies. But, looking at UCD's website, it seems that most of the students that graduated with a Biotech degree ended up working as Lab Technicians which is something that does not interest me. I am also a bit weary that the Biotech major is offered by the Agricultural/Environmental Sciences dept. rather than it being more along the lines of an engineering major. However, I have friends in UCD and when I visited UCD I liked the atmosphere. Furthermore, if I go to UCD, I will be completely done with my GE requirements via IGETC.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I am very excited that I was accepted into UCSD's engineering program, which is essentially what I am looking for in terms of majors. But, it turns out that the BioE: Bioinformatics major is the only one not ABET accredited. This worries me a bit to the point that if I go there, I would want to switch my major to BioE: Biotech. Should this worry me that much? At UCSD I was accepted into Revelle College, which is known for its extensive GE requirements. So, although I have my IGETC completed, I will need to continue GEs. I will most likely also need to complete Physics with Calc series which I have not yet completed. Basically, UCSD will be much more difficult. I really want an engineering major, but is it worth it if it is not accredited by ABET? Will I be able to switch into BioE: biotech(impacted major) which IS accredited?</p>

<p>I am familiar with the San Diego area because I used to live there. I love the city, but not so much La Jolla. It just seems so boring all the time compared to Davis.</p>

<p>Let me know what you guys think would be the best for my situation and I will try to be more succinct in my responses!</p>

<p>Thank you very much all!</p>

<p>i would really appreciate a response</p>

<p>If it was me, I’d go ucsd undergrad then get a phd at ucd.</p>

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<p>Yes, you’re a transfer student, but your question has nothing to do with transferring, it’s about the schools and the departments.</p>

<p>You should consider posting on the College Search & Selection forum (they get much more traffic there) and/or the Engineering Major forum (more informed members regarding your academic interest).</p>

<p>

The authoritative answer will come when you call the school to check, but I believe the answer is no.</p>

<p>UCD seems to offer a lot more for you. I would seriously attend UCD.</p>

<p>I agree with mermaker. It seems like, for you at least, the only draw towards UCSD is the fact that your major is an engineering degree. I say go to Davis.</p>

<p>Thank you mod for moving my post.</p>

<p>Well, an engineering degree is actually what I intended for until I realized that Davis’ Biotech program is part of Agricultural/Environmental Sciences. Is this logical to really want an engineering degree, or should I be satisfied with Biotech from any dept.? Essentially I want to feel safe in my job search after graduation, which is why I am so determined to get an engineering degree.</p>

<p>Look at the average transfer graduation rates for UCSD. It’s 3.1-3.2 years.</p>

<p><a href=“Undergraduate Statistics”>Undergraduate Statistics;

<p>I know this is a hard choice and I’m actually fighting my own demons in choosing a UC right now as well so I empathize with you. </p>

<p>It honestly seems like you’re mind is set with the Engineering degree. I say do what you want the most.</p>

<p>Average graduating rates for engineers*</p>

<p>Your*</p>

<p>Thanks for that informative resource. I think I am going still going to go with UCSD just because I know I would take 2+ years at UCD anyways. I am going to call them tomorrow to ask if it is possible to change my major to the impacted Biotech track for BioE. Worst case scenario, should it be hard to change majors into a traditonal engineering major like EE which is not impacted?</p>

<p>@OP I am facing nearly the exact same decision as you, except I am a computer science major. After thinking about it for a LONG time I decided I was going to go to UCSD.</p>

<p>Good chouce, I think I will be going to UCSD as well. Are you going to be living at the Village?</p>

<p>UCSD is one of the best Universities for bio engineering but as you said, if your major is not accredited by abet the its point less. I would try to change the major to some other area in bio engineering and go to UCSD. my advice is do not follow something that is not accredited by abet. you won’t be able to find a job</p>

<p>ABET accreditation is less important for bioengineering than for traditional engineering disciplines.</p>

<p>@derse I hope you are right. Thanks for the response @zcarfaz</p>