<p>OP, there are very large differences between the schools.</p>
<p>Surroundings within walking distance: UCSD… none, UCLA, Westwood
Sports: UCSD, none to speak of, UCLA , well, you get it
Majors: UCSD is stronger than UCLA is some sciences (especially biological), whereas UCLA is strong across disciplines – sciences, social sciences, liberal arts, engineering
Brand Recognition: UCLA is known worldwide, UCSD only in the fields of biological sciences.</p>
<p>But, forget ALL that. Go to the website students review dot com , and check out the % of students who report they would NOT return to UCSD if they were to choose again. The % for UCSD is 57%. That is among the worst I have ever seen. Then drill down into the students’ comments. It becomes clear very quickly that students at UCSD feel like their trapped in an anti-social hole. I have no idea why they feel this way, but read the dozens of comments, positive, negative, neutral, and advice, and a consistent, depressing picture is painted.</p>
<p>Caveat emptor with UCSD.</p>