UC Merced VS UCSD

an0623
Mon, 09 May 2011 13:26:57 +0000

I’ve read basically, the whole post and all of the answers.

I’m a current UCSD student and I transferred here last fall. I too, would probably have said/thought the same things as everyone here had I not experienced UCSD for myself. Most of my CC friends are @ UCB, a few @ UCLA, and a few @ various other UC’s.

I think, it’s important to note that the transition from the semester system to the quarter system is INCREDIBLY different and takes time. I’ve met transfers who are doing extremely well and I’ve met some that are not doing so well.

A few of my friends are actually in the poli-sci department and their performance at UCSD is varied. I think it really boils down to how hard you want to work and study. Well UCSD is obviously, hands down, the more prestigious university - that does not mean it does not come with its own catch 22. All of the students that I know that are doing well have to study their butts off and worry and stress constantly. My roommate who is a poli-sci major is CONSTANTLY studying. You can find many more students studying on a Friday night instead of partying and/or having fun. I find that my weekends are MORE stressful than the regular school nights because I have to mentally prep myself and make lists of what needs to be accomplished during the weekend for my upcoming midterms/papers/readings/etc…

I personally would go with the less prestigious UCM and WHO CARES if you could have gone there straight from high school…just because it isn’t a good school NOW doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future. I have faith in UC Merced…it will go up in rankings. I mean, look at UCSD…it had to start somewhere too…it’s open been around for 50 years and look at all the things that have been established since then! (In comparison, UCSC was opened around the same time, and people still do not think too highly of that school). A higher GPA would be preferable to struggling at UCSD. At UCSD, you will be one of MANY, MANY students who are JUST as smart as you or smarter. Everyone here is HIGHLY motivated (not to say you aren’t) and HIGHLY competitive. It’s an atmosphere that is very stressful and I have not met anyone at UCSD who is not stressed out when midterm season comes around (and doesn’t stop until finals, I might add) - the quarter system is just go-go-go-go. (Unless you have an easy major - like communications or something)…

If that sounds like a challenge and you’re up for it…by all means, come here, but if not…go to UCM on a full ride, save your GPA, take advantage of the quarter system (where you’ll have more time to better grasp your material, etc.) Smaller class sizes = better chances to get to know your professors who will then write better letters of rec FOR GRAD school. Something to think about.

It’s up to you, but honestly, in the end it’s your life. Rankings are overrated. I honestly just want to ■■■■ of UCSD ASAP.