<p>What are the ups/downs of going to ucsd? Especially compared to an ivy?</p>
<p>If money is an issue, and you are in-state, you may give it a thought.</p>
<p>UCSD has very strong math and science departments. It is far cheaper than an Ivy. It is much larger, and therefore has more educational opportunities and has a much better social scene. La Jolla has much nicer weather than anywhere back East, and has easy access to the beach, something you won’t find at Columbia. 
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<p>It really depends on what you are looking for and what you want to major in. If you’re looking for a smaller school in a more rural place with more focus on English and humanities, you’re better at an Ivy. If you’d like a big school feel with sports teams, parties, tons of opportunities, and possibly a major in math or science, you’d fit much better at UCSD.</p>
<p>I would say you can’t be more wrong, especially if you go as an undergraduate. UCSD is, as most UCs, good at some of graduate majors, in this case, bio-related.</p>
<p>I disagree. UCSD is an outstanding school in all areas but it’s particularly well respected in mathematics and sciences. UCSD has an outstanding reputation, I would argue on par with some Ivies. The Ivies aren’t always better, like I said, it’s all about what the OP is looking for. </p>
<p>Plus, you can’t argue that the weather’s better in La Jolla :)</p>