<p>Being a resident of San Diego, I am considering applying to UCSD. I can go there for free. However, I am not sure whether or not I would enjoy it. My dream school is Northwestern University but UCSD could be a backup. I have an internship there and I am at the college about 1/3 of my life. Even so, I am not entirely sure about the students and the quality of the education as opposed to say NU or Michigan.</p>
<p>bump 10 char</p>
<p>Does your high school have graduates currently at NU or Mich? I would suggest you call them.</p>
<p>P.S. Free is not free. There is no “tuition”, that is true. However, “registrations fees” are about $8,500 for an in-state student. If you live at home, then the cost of living is probably $4000 for Board and transportation/parking. Then books another $2,000. So free is really about $14,000.</p>
<p>Yes my school has graduates at NU and Mich.</p>
<p>As for the “free” deal, I would only have to pay living and supply expenses. My dad has a special status that allows our family to go to any Cal state or UC without paying the registration fees. So we would save the $8,500. But either way, the money factor is only something small for me to consider. It is not a major deciding factor because my parents can pay for whichever college I apply to. </p>
<p>I am really just wondering what the science-oriented students and academics are like.</p>