<p>UCI/UCSD/UCD?
UCSD is my favorite in these three because of the environment. However, I recently have found out that their sociology probably ranks the lowest among their social science majors. So I'm having a dilemma right now. My first choice is UCLA but I still want to TAG a school just in case. Please give me some advice! Thank you :(</p>
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<p>Don’t go by rankings solely for undergrad. Ive realized for my major, which ranks #2 worldwide at UCB, has probably the best undergrad program at a much lower ranked UC. This is because at UCB, the professors are much more involved in their research and grad students and there are not that many courses offered each semester. The classes are also a little bigger on average. Whereas at UCI, where my major is #60 I think, there are SO many different tracks I could take for my major and so many classes offered each quarter. Even though UCB is ranked higher for <em>grad</em> school, it is obvious that I would get a better education at UCI or another UC.</p>
<p>So do a little more research beyond rankings. You may be surprised what you find out. Also, location is important too. If the difference between two schools is a marginal difference in rankings but you are in love with the lower one, you will be better off there.</p>
<p>@shannon
thanks for your reply! I have done some research and people said that UCSD is such a science and math school, if I’m a sociology /social sciences major, I’m gonna have a bad time because other students would probably look down on us social science folks :(</p>
<p>I would also like to know which school’s undergrad sociology program is better because I really want to make my two years spending there worthy…</p>
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<p>That’s just silly. The UCs are so big, nobody looks down on anyone. Study want you want to study at the school you want.</p>
<p>Well according to US News, other than Berkeley and UCLA, it’s UCI. Don’t go solely off of ranking though. Pick the school, location, campus, atmosphere, and financial situation that is right for you.</p>
<p>[Best</a> Sociology Programs | Top Sociology Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/sociology-rankings/page+2]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/sociology-rankings/page+2)</p>
<p>For undergrad, overall school ranking matters more than department ranking.</p>
<p>Just ask the people going through recruiting…</p>
<p>Also higher ranked schools usually have more intelligent peers. Who do YOU want to date?</p>
<p>Thank you guys. So would you guys suggest me to TAG the UC that I want to go, regardless of the major ranking? So the department ranking does not matter right?</p>
<p><em>sigh</em> this is so hard to decide =(</p>
<p>^Personally I would, yes. But all the UCs are great, so you can;t go wrong.</p>
<p>I’m choosing between UCI & UCSD right now. ><</p>
<p>Does anyone have any suggestions/advices/comments about these two? Like pros & cons?</p>
<p>UCI: located in Orange county in a suburban (but large) city, part of LA metro, most of it with an hour drive, more densely populated more multicultural (lots of Asians), sunnier weather, nicer campus (in my completely subjective opinion), more moderate area (city of Irvine), more office parks and middle class housing, slightly more known for its humanities program compared to UCSD, more eccentric, closer to commercial areas</p>
<p>UCSD: located in a wealthy part of San Diego, a part of a much smaller metro area, less crowded, closer to the beach, lots of Asians too–but not necessarily in La Jolla as well, more liberal area (La Jolla), slightly cooler (and cloudier) weather, more preppy, more residential, a bit farther from commercial areas (downtown is about 10-15 mins drive with normal traffic), a bit higher ranked overall</p>
<p>These are just some differences and are only my personal beliefs. If you really want to get to know these school, you should visit both of them and talk to the students there.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! @LAforlife</p>
<p>No problem. :)</p>
<p>You should tag to the school that is harder to get accepted to. Btw, I’m a socio major…good luck!</p>
<p>@citiz3nerased
thank you! have you transferred?</p>
<p>My advice TAG the most competitive school because you’re likely to get into the other two without it. I would TAG UCSD because they have the most rigorous TAG requirements. If you qualify for TAG at UCSD with a 3.5 GPA, you’re more than likely to get into UCI and will definitely get into UCD. I TAG’d UCSD last year and got accepted into all the other UCs save Berkeley. It sounds like your favorite anyway so it works out on both regards, but even if it wasn’t I think UCSD is generally the best choice for TAG because if you qualify for it there it means your GPA is already competitive at all the other TAGable UCs.</p>
<p>I don’t have a 3.5 right now but I believe I will by the end of fall. So if I’m gonna TAG SD I might need to take the risk 
and yes UCSD is ny favorite of these three.
Thank you though! :)</p>
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<p>wow sorry for not seeing your question sooner…yes, I transferred to UCLA this year! since we’re in the same major, let me know if you have any questions…I applied to the following UCs: LA, SB, SD, Irvine…along with 4 Cal States…</p>
<p>@Citiz3nerased
Hi! Thanks for replying! Do you think it is possible to get accepted by UCLA or Cal with a 3.5 GPA?
My personal statements are pretty good, according to my counselors and also I have written the optional one talking about my family hardships.</p>
<p>ucsd for sure!</p>
<p>What’s your major?</p>