UC San Diego or UC Davis?

Cris1234
Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:45:05 +0000

re: UC Davis . . Here’s something I ran across - that I enjoy watching . .

http://keithbradnam.com/blog/2013/11/21/a-stunning-hyperlapse-video-of-life-on-the-uc-davis-campus.html

My son was also deciding between UCD and UCSD. We visited both and both are beautiful campuses and everyone we met at both places was great. Having to choose between 2 great schools is tough, but also such a happy and fortunate problem to have.

In addition to the location (beach vs. inland) I think both campuses do have a different “feel”.

By design - UCSD is a “distributed” design (ex: 6 colleges w/in UCSD - their goal is to give it a “small college feel”, ex: 24,000 students / 6 colleges = roughly 4,000 in each), and built on hillsides, so it can feel dispersed; whereas UCD - tries to pull students “together” (ex: “Aggie Pack” promotes school spirit - pulls people into something larger than themselves; found quote it’s largest school organization w/12000 students.) and while also being a large campus - it is flat and has a 100 miles of bikes roads on campus and into Davis . . which can make it seem both larger (ride bike off campus and into Davis) yet also more connected.

I guess I’m trying to describe a feeling I got, from our 2 full days of tour/visit on each campus: UCSD is large and can feel dispersed, yet UCD feels large, sometimes much larger - yet feels more “connected”.

As my son is basically undecided on major - I think UCD is more flexible in regards to exploring options and changing major. So for him, this is very important for his selection, and he is likely choosing UCD. I also like all the support and tutoring (at the dorms - til late night) and feel that will be a good, supportive environment. The biking, the band, the school spirit at UCD are all happy bonuses to a great education. Yet important, because he’ll be living there for 4 years - so I think it’s best for him (or anyone) to be where he (they) can work hard AND enjoy himself (themselves).

Best wishes as you weigh your priorities and options. They are both great choices.