<p>Anyone has comparative experience with these two schools?</p>
<p>Other than the obvious difference in weather, can anyone comment on the academics and social life?</p>
<p>Both are obviously excellent academically.</p>
<p>UC San Diego is quite a bit smaller. Unlike Washington, you won't have classes with 500+ students. UCSD is in one of the nicest parts of San Diego, La Jolla, which is very close to the beach. SD is great for the sciences and Economics. Great place to go to school if you want to study. The social life is definitely lacking. When I went to visit a friend, the library was packed on a Saturday night. Many kids at UCSD are not down to party and are very focused on their academics. If you want to party, you can drive 20 minutes to San Diego State.</p>
<p>I've been on the campus of University of Washington and liked it a lot. The campus is very green! There is a lot to do in Seattle and sports are huge at UW. The campus is very large and might be a bit overwhelming at first. I've heard that the dorms are awful. I've heard that the social life is pretty good at UW. A fair number of people leave on the weekends, but the school is so large that there will be some people around. You'd probably have a lot more fun at UW. Be warned though, you will have intro classes with 500+ people and I've heard of some having up to 800 students!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Are you a CA resident?</p></li>
<li><p>How social are you aka do you plan on partying a lot?</p></li>
<li><p>How important are school sports to you?</p></li>
<li><p>What is your intended major?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Udub as it is know locally is one of the more underrated of the large state schools. It is very well postioned to really bloom nationally with a very dynamic new President, a state flush with $$$, and lots of very wealthy local folks reaching the age of making big gifts to schools. It tends to me a semi-commuter school as so many students come from the area. Overall a school that could rival the top UC's very soon.</p>
<p>^^^ I agree.</p>