<p>Yeah, I know, another one UC school versus the other thread, but I’d like some thoughts on my situation. I’m from Las Vegas, Nevada, so I haven’t yet been able to visit either campus (I will sometime within the next few weeks), although there are preconceptions I’ve developed (which I’m trying not to let get to me): UCSD is the prettier, more academic ridden/higher ranked, and not as good social life/lacking pretty girls/lacking parties campus. UCSB is the less academic, great social life/girls/parties, and still a very pretty campus.</p>
<p>As a Las Vegas resident, I’m tired of the desert and way excited to possibly live next to the beach in La Jolla or Santa Barbara. I got into UCD, UCSC, UCSB, and UCSD (rejected to UCLA). I’m going into the Engineering program, and while I want a really solid education with a prestigious university backing me, I’m getting that UCSD really is lacking the social life. I’ve talked to various SD alum who tell me to go to SB instead, but I’ve talked to other SD alum who say SD is just amazing. Everyone I know at SB say they love.</p>
<p>So I guess what I’m getting at: is the social life at SD as bad as I’ve heard? I got into Sixth college, and I’ve also heard various things about that… (I enjoy technology and what not, so it didn’t seem terrible at the time to apply to sixth… but now I keep getting mixed opinions on it). I worked my butt off in high school to get this far (keep in mind Im not from california, which means I had to work twice as hard), and I’m really looking for the total college experience, but I don’t want it to interfere with a good education. I mean, the idea of getting out of the desert heat and onto the beach in California really excites me, but I’m scared that SD might not provide the total college experience I want. I don’t want to join a fraternity (I’ve been to a couple frat parties – which are fun – but I’m not interested in the whole greek life thing. It definitely works for some people, but it’s not really something I’m interested in… I’d rather just kind of do my own thing). Any pointers for things to look out for when I go and tour the two colleges sometime within the next few weeks?</p>
<p>Pros and cons for one campus or the other that I should keep in mind? Anything that I’m entirely overlooking? Thank you so much!!!</p>
<p>I am an SD alum and I loved my college experience. UCSD is a great school located in at great location. I met tons of fun people who studied hard and partied hard. Personally, I thought the campus had a fair share of gorgeous girls. I had no ccomplaints. College is what you make of it. Come in with an open mind and try to meet as many people as you can. If you plan study engineering then you can't go wrong with UCSD. UCSD is a competitive school and the kids here are smart - extremely helpful when applying to grad school. Many years ago, I was in your same position. I had to choose from UCLA, UCSD, and the "UCSB Honors Program" with money. I was a southern california kid that loved to surf so I chose UCSD. I never regreted my decision. Education is an investment and you should choose a school that yields the highest returns (opens up the most doors). Personally, I think that choosing a school based on the social scene is a huge mistake. When it comes down to it, you are there to learn.</p>
<p>I feel like what I'm about to say makes it seem like I'm leaning torward SB, but that isnt necessarily true. Here goes anyway:</p>
<p>San Diego doesn't have division I sports, which is not a basis for picking where to get an education, but I feel it would be a large part of the college experience. In addition, the main other thing I'm really unsure about is the whole six college system at SD. I'm in sixth college, and I've heard mixed ratings about being in sixth college, and the whole college system in general. Culture/Art classes aren't necessarily my thing, but I don't think it would be too awful to stick it out for one class for the sake of enjoying my time at the campus.</p>
<p>It just seems like SB gets rid of what I'm perceiving as the annoying six college system, as well as having division 1 sports, and a better social scene while still being a good school. And SD seems the stronger academic, the better choice for the future, and alot more quiet and reserved</p>
<p>Like I said, it sounds like I'm defending SB against SD, but I'm just playing devils advocate trying to research whats best for me.</p>
<p>sd for academics for sure.... .... being in sd isnt exactly bad for social life..quite the opposite.... u just would likely have to go off campus.</p>
<p>lvshorty610: if engineering is your intended major, then you cannot go wrong with UCSD; it is stronger academically than UCSB for your field. </p>
<p>And don't worry about Sixth College. It is only about three years old, thus people like to generate stories due to a lack of knowledge. The college system on the whole is great: it allows a student to feel connected. Each college has its own ge requirements, social activities, counselors, psychologists, etc. In other universities, an undergraduate can feel lost among 1000's of students.</p>
<p>I would say that if you are looking for excitement, you won't find it on campus at UCSD. It does not have the color or vibrancy that UCB or UCLA does. I really don't know much about UCSB, having not visited there yet, so I cannot comment. The lack of division 1 sports is a disadvantage at UCSD because it does not help to generate a cohesive school spirit like one finds at USC.</p>
<p>But I would not let these minor disadvantages keep you from choosing UCSD. I guess what I am trying to say is: if you want a good, solid education in engineering, go to UCSD.</p>