<p>Well my mom is pretty disappointed at me for deciding to go with UCSD. She really wanted me to go to UCLA or CAL because they are top schools and the fact that she went to UCLA (so obviously she is biased). I am a bit skeptical about attending a UC such as UCSD because I’m afraid that it may affect my future and/or career. UCSD is not a terrible school (ranked in the 30’s I believe) but the intensity and prestige of education is nothing compared to LA’s or CAL’s. I know this sounds stupid but I have a feeling that my attending LA or Berk will help me achieve greater success than the other UC’s. I know this is all subjective because “it’s not what your degree can do for you but what you do with your degree.” What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Hmmmmm… my parents are like that too so I don’t know what to really say because obviously reputation does count to an employer. But from what I hear from some people I’ve talk to, it shouldn’t really matter all that much. I guess it really depends on what you do at the school. For example, if you’re bound to achieve great things at UCLA, then you’re bound to achieve great things at UCSD as well. I’m going to UCSD because it’s less crowded and the areas nice, on top that, a good education. But that’s just my opinion. Plus I’m not in the same situation because I’m still pending for UCLA. </p>
<p>What’s your major may I ask?</p>
<p>IMO, go where ur the happiest. the education will always be what you put into it. UCSD has some top notch programs especially in the neuroscience field… it is more of a straight scholastic school than UCLA IMO.</p>
<p>Will your parents be taking the courses for you? No. </p>
<p>That being said, listen to your aprents advice, they know more than you may give them credit for. Ask yourself why you want UCSD over B or LA. Be as fair and as objective as possible.</p>
<p>UCSD is a fantastic school, so don’t feel like you are missing out or going to be hurt in the long run.</p>
<p>Thanks guys I really do appreciate your comments and advice.</p>
<p>EDIT: Oh, I’m an English major. What UC’s are known for having an exceptional English program?</p>
<p>ucsd’s an aaaawesome school. gluck.</p>
<p>I think Cal’s English department is like tied for second in the nation with Princeton (something like that).</p>
<p>Im going to disagree with the rest and say it does matter to go to the best school you got into. By this I dont mean go for the usnews top 10 or highest ranked, but what is best for what you are intrested in. For your case I would run for ucb, an excellent school with an outstanding english dept. I would say that you cannot decide what school you will be happest at, how can you judge what people you will meet, your activities, your satisfaction. But you can decide what school can offer you the most educationaly. For english you would be learning with well known authors who will offer you advice and could mentor you and challage you, that is invaluable. ucb is the best in the world for english and I think you could notice.</p>
<p>I think ucb could help you achieve things, going to the others wouldnt prevent you for doing anything but being in the crucible provided by outstanding english depts could accelerate your development. As well as giving you a advantage on entering the job market.</p>
<p>UCSD is up there with LA and SD. SD’s education will easily be more or as rigorous as CAL’s or LA’s so as long as you choose to take challenging courses and instructors. When there are thousands of colleges in the nation, going to a school that is a dozen or so rankings below another one isn’t much a difference. Amongst grad schools, UCSD is very prestigious, especially for medical schools. The UC system is highly regarded throughout the nation.</p>
<p>i heard SD has a better bio program. U won’t miss anything by going there, trust me.</p>
<p>bahaaaahh everything points to CAL!</p>
<p>I agree with _42 about attending a university that is known for your particular major, or in my case CAL’s English Department. Frankly speaking, I don’t think I can get into CAL for one reason i.e. GPA. It’s not to say that a 3.8X GPA is terrible but it definitely looks inferior to those competing students at CAL. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to apply to CAL but deep down inside I find that I’m reaching beyond my chances. I became discouraged when I found out that my friend got rejected from CAL; he had a 4.0 Cum GPA / 4.0 major GPA majoring in CAL’s Business Administration.</p>