<p>Hi. I'm a senior from California trying to decide between umichigan and ucsd. I will most likely be an English major or something humanities related and want to do pre-med. I also got into to Mcgill but don't really want to go as far away as Canada. I also really like the idea of the residential college program. Could you please help with the pros and cons of these two schools. I got a scholarship for Michigan so the cost is pretty much the same for both schools. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey, I got into UCSD also (SoCal resident). I like UCSD alot for what it has to offer, but from what I’ve heard (or more fittingly, what I haven’t heard) has told me that their humanities departments are not worth writing home about.</p>
<p>It’s strongest departments are in the sciences (biological are very strong), with a few decent social science programs. Though you do say that you want to do Pre-Med…so…perhaps things may be different for you?</p>
<p>Anyways, I’d think that Michigan would be better. When did you apply btw? When did you hear back? I applied the day before the deadline (lol) and I haven’t heard back yet…</p>
<p>DD is a from Northern California and has chosen Michigan. UCSD and Michigan are both fine schools, but I think it is the overall college experience that will be the difference. When UCSD was build the La Jolla community did not want a rowdy large college campus in the midst, which was the reason the residential colleges came into existence. Most of my students who have attended UCSD like their residential college but comment that there is not a real sense of overall UCSD community. From all I know that would not be the case at Michigan. You have two great choices. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>pixy, </p>
<p>The biggest differences will be the atmosphere. Did you visit both? </p>
<p>Michigan will have the more traditional college experience - college town, big time athletics, etc.</p>
<p>USCD has a great location and the weather will definitely be a million times nicer. However, the social aspects are kind of lacking. La Jolla is an uber-wealthy community with not a whole lot to offer a starving student. It also has a larger commuter contigent with students in San Diego and Orange County going home on the weekends. The residential college stuff was confusing to me with the varying requirements. </p>
<p>I would choose Michigan if I were in your shoes - unless you know you can’t handle the Michigan winters.</p>
<p>You’ll get used to the winters. I would definitely go to Michigan if I were you and the costs were comparable. You’ll get a real college experience and become a part of one of the best all around schools in the country. I can tell you that Ann Arbor is not like most college towns. There are very few places that are quite like it.</p>
<p>Michigan, of course. Michigan competes with Berkeley, so your choice should be obvious. But if cost is an issue, then UCSD should be an option. Michigan, take it and be a wolverine.</p>
<p>If the cost is the same, I would recommend Michigan over UCSD. Michigan has:</p>
<p>1) Stronger departments, particularly in the Humanities
2) Far more resources (Michigan’s endowment is 10 times larger than UCSD’s)
3) A more cohesive campus environment and a lot more school spirit
4) A more geographically diverse, influential and affluent alumni network
5) A stronger overall reputation</p>
<p>Unless you cannot stand cold winters, this is actually a pretty easy decision.</p>