I’m from OOS and was accepted as a cog sci major in Marshall, and know that UCSD’s neuroscience reputation is great (as well as other UCs)
However, I was also accepted to Haverford and am looking for a collaborative, intellectual vibe with a strong sense of community. UCs are huge and I’m a little worried about competition for resources and less academic support.
(Also waitlisted at Berkeley and UCLA… so if anyone has anything to say about comparing vibes between Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSD that would be really helpful!)
A collaborative, intellectual vibe definitely exists on campus, especially in the cogsci major. I’d describe UCSD as challenging but not cutthroat. The school can feel a little impersonal at times, but the college system and smaller departments help you connect with people and work through it all together. I’d say Berkeley is a little more cutthroat/pompous, UCLA is a little more competitive and fun. Does that help somewhat?
Thanks @DoctorP what major are you in? What would you say about the stereotype the UCSD is “Socially Dead”? Also, how are opportunities to study abroad?
@indigoturquoise I’m bioengineering: biotechnology, a couple of my close friends are cogsci hci though. It’s socially dead if you make no effort whatsoever to talk to people, and tons of fun if you have 1% of an average human’s social skills (make friends and go party together). Sorry if that sounds dismissive, but it’s really such a ridiculous myth for anyone who’s actually here. Study abroad is great: in addition to the standard UC programs, some colleges offer credit for GEs. For example, you can take HUM through the Revelle in Rome program. A lot of people choose to study abroad for a quarter or longer and most love the experience. I’ll say that it’s more common for non-STEM majors to travel, though. I literally got an email notification for a study abroad program while typing this, there’s no shortage of options.