UMD Honors College vs. UC San Diego for Engineering/compsci?

Applying to College
1

Hi I got into UCSD and UMD and I’m trying to choose between each of them. I want to study engineering, most likely comp sci.

Here are a few factors to take into mind:

  • I got into UC San Diego for Mech. Engineering and I would have to switch into comp sci (not sure how easy/hard that is). Also got into Muir at UCSD which is apparently the nicest college there.
  • I got into the UMD Honors College but didn't apply early so no money there.
  • UCSD will be about 10k more a year + far away and cal is expensive
  • UCSD is close to silicon valley though
  • I live on the east coast so I guess UMD is more optimal in that respect, but my sister also goes to UMD so I kinda dont wanna go there hehehehe.
  • I am looking to transfer into possible a top school sophomore or junior year, so which would be better?

What do you guys think I should do? I am still waiting on a couple of waitlists but I’m having trouble knowing which one to commit to.

Thanks!

2

- You can try to transfer into CS at the end of each quarter at UCSD. Admission is based solely on GPA in four courses: CSE 8B or 11, CSE 12, CSE 15L, and CSE 20 or Math 15A. The odds of getting in vary from quarter to quarter; it's difficult, but not impossible. If your heart's set on CS that might be a reason to attend UMD instead. As a Revelle student I hate to admit it but Muir's definitely the nicest college.

  • Living off-campus in La Jolla does get pretty expensive
  • Most major SV tech firms recruit at UCSD, and the alumni network in SV is massive. I remember reading somewhere that UCSD is the third most common alma mater at Google. Even if you stick with mechanical engineering, UCSD
  • west coast best coast
  • What schools specifically would you want to transfer to? UCSD is already pretty highly ranked, especially for engineering. For a UC-UC transfer your chances of acceptance are higher from a CA community college than from UCSD

Can’t tell you anything about UMD, but hopefully this helps

3

Were you admitted to UMD for CS? If so it seems like the obvious choice since it is less expensive and you are in your major.