I am debating whether I should go to UCSD for its strong academic programs or UCSC, where I see myself fitting in more… What is more important, academics or attitude of the school?
If you think you will fit in more at UCSC go there. Silicon Valley does a lot of recruiting there.
Go to the school you believe you’ll succeed more and be happier at.
Man, that’s a tough question.
I currently go to UCSD and love the professors and ample research opportunities, but it’s definitely lacking a social environment (this doesn’t mean the people are anti-social) and, coming from the SF bay area, oftentimes I find myself at odds with the Southern CA vibes.
I personally prioritize academics, but I know many people want the most out of what are some pretty wonderful years of your life. I don’t think either mindset is wrong. And in the end, both schools are great, so whichever you choose, no regrets//
Go where you will be happier.
Go to Santa Cruz where you will be happier.
My husband attended UCSD; my children’s friends currently attend UCSD so all of this is based on their experiences.
Yes, you will be well educated at UCSD because that is the main goal-studying your major. It is very true that UCSD is UC of the Socially Dead. Husband had no real contacts or acquaintances after he left UCSD, but he got a lot of studying done because there were no distractions. He made many more personal connections in grad school at Stanford and still did well. He still keeps in contact with his Stanford friends.
DD2 and DS have multiple friends from high school attending UCSD (since we’re local) they have to get together off-campus to have any kind of social gatherings. When Dd’s high school friends visit my DD and her friends/roommates at Davis, they are completely amazed at the differences in activities and friends. People from UCSD will argue the point, but the other UC campuses are known to be more socially-friendly.
Go to Santa Cruz: you need friends and a bit of a social life.
@"aunt bea" While I agree that UCSD is not as conducive to a social environment as, say, UCLA, to say that you won’t have friends or a social life is overkill. Everyone takes different things out of their experiences, so it’s a bit reckless to generalize, especially for the significant decision OP has to make.
Yes, it’s harder to attain a social life, but UCSD’s anti-social reputation is way over-inflated. You will have one if you want one.
I know a lot of students that love UCSD. You just need to be a bit pro-active, and then once you have your group you’re fine. Every campus has its pros and cons. In fact, a long time poster here who lamented the day he chose UCSD had an abrupt turnaround this second quarter and now loves it.
I go to UCSD and while we don’t turn up like UCSC does, that doesn’t mean we don’t turn up. There’s always something going on if you look around. It’s a surf town; loads of people are friendly and welcoming!
Have you visited both campuses? Try to get a feel for the vibe