UCSD or UCR? (GE's, time and money)

dyno0919
Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:42:07 +0000

First off, as others have emphasized, DO NOT GO TO A SCHOOL FOR REPUTATION. Many people every year turn down Cal to go to other UCs simply because it is in the dumpiest most unfriendly city of all the UCs. Visit both, and without thinking about money, determine which you would be happier at. That would be my initial response.

Secondly, don’t get hung up on ERC’s GEs and MMW. Sure it’s a long class, and it may seem like a waste of time, but that’s no reason to not attend a college you favor. Having to do more GEs is also not a waste of money, unless you get caught up in class registration and have to take a fifth year. That scenario could happen at UCR or UCSD.

AP credits do usually count to get rid of many gen eds at all the UCs. The only course than cannot be taken away is MMW.

Commuting can also be extremely difficult. People don’t realize just how hard it is to live off-campus, especially as a freshman.

Overall, I would say you need to visit both and determine which one fits you better. Unless you got a mega amount of scholarships at UCR, their cost is roughly the same. If you live off campus, though, tuition is more expensive at UCSD than at UCR, but UCR’s room and board is more expensive than UCSD’s.

You have to remember as well that you may not be challenged as much at UCR as you would be at UCSD. UCSD also has a well established medical school and, while Riverside’s MAY be up in the next 4 years, it won’t be worth nearly the same amount degree-wise. UCSD also offers many MANY more opportunities outside of education. Taking part in research programs at UCSD might end up doing you a world of good when it comes to applying to medical school. If you like UCSD better, even if slightly, and your parents can come up with the money, then you may regret not making that choice. Though, as others have said, undergrad really doesn’t matter if you plan on going to grad school.

It should be easy for you to succeed at UCR, and I am confident that regardless of which one you go to, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be education and career-wise. Just make sure you take into account every little factor. You’ll be spending the next 4 years of your life there.