Trying to decide between three different options. I was accepted to the new Business major at Davis, and the Business Administration program at USD. I applied for Business Psychology at UCSD but was accepted Undeclared. I’m in-state California, but got a good merit scholarship from USD so cost is not a big factor for my family. I love the vibe and campus at USD, and would prefer it to the small college town of Davis. But how much will the prestige factor of a UC degree help me with job hunting in four years? I’m worried UCSD is mostly a STEM school and less well-known for business. And social life is important to me - UCSD has a terrible reputation. But the school is so highly ranked it would be a prestigious degree! Any advice to help me make my decision?
Since the major at UCSD is psychology with some business flavor, you may want to compare the courses in it to those of the actual business majors at the other schools to see which suits your interests better. Also, compare the general education requirements between the schools.
You should attend USD. It’s a fine school and you clearly want to be there.
The “prestige” of a UC - a school system graduating zillions a year with many unable to find jobs, no different than any other school or school system.
You will be somewhere four years, day after day.
USD will produce solid grads and some that struggle.
UCD will produce solid grads and some that struggle.
Ultimately, you will make your success and clearly you prefer USD. So why spend four years at a place you don’t want to be?
Having a UC (or any school) diploma assures nothing in life and most people see it as just another school or school system - i.e. no different than an Arizona or Colorado or Oklahoma, etc.
And in the real world, you’ll be working with people who attended a variety of colleges.
Good luck.