University of California--San Diego

Statistics

Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
UCSD is one of the world's premier research institutions, and the economic downturn hasn't diminished its importance or vitality. What began as an oceanography school that expanded into a university in the early 1960s has grown into a haven for neurosciences, chemistry, medicine, engineering, ocean studies, and even theater and dance. The faculty, filled with Nobel laureates, earns across-the-board praise from students for their knowledge and dedication. "My professors are amazing and truly want to teach every student," one says. "My professors have been phenomenal; always accessible, enthusiastic, and encouraging" adds another. Others say their classes got smaller and the instruction better as they progressed in their degree programs. "It's especially cool when you take a class on poli-sci immigration from the leader in the field, or take a physics class taught by (astronaut) Sally Ride." However, a common complaint is that some professors don't appear to be fully invested in the classroom experience: "A number of professors seemed to be focused more on their research rather than sharing knowledge with students." Libraries and research facilities get high marks. Best of all, students say, the school has a sterling reputation, so "I know my degree won't be meaningless." There's "always a good job market with so many biotech companies close by."

Students Say - Campus Life
Students are divided on whether this school in scenic but sleepy La Jolla has a boring social scene ("Some joke that UCSD stands for the University of Californiaâ€"â€"Socially Dead/Sleep Deprived"), or that one simply has to look hard to find recreation ("There is always something to do on campus, and it is always changing! I never get bored!"). But one thing is certain: Some students work way too hard to afford the luxury of a social life, and this causes some friction between the science and non-science students. One student summed up the dichotomy perfectly: "My school is all about science and the beach." Trying to study the hard sciences despite the distraction of the Pacific only a few blocks away is a mammoth task. And a fine public transit system makes downtown San Diego very accessible. "If you enjoy constant fair weather and beautiful beaches, then this is the place for you," one student gushes. The school has tried to make campus a fun place to be. Price Center, the campus hub, is under expansion, and there are three free concerts per quarter, including the eagerly anticipated Sun God Festival in May. Then there's that cool outdoor art: 17 commissioned installations (and counting), including a giant teddy bear made of boulders. Several students wish the NCAA Division II school would spring for a football team to create more campus unity. But to others, the six-college setup "makes everyone feel like they belong to a close-knit community within such a populous school."

Students Say - Student Body
Of the more than 23,000 undergrads at UCSD, about 45 percent are Asian, and about 13 percent are Hispanic. With whites in the minority, some stereotypes and misunderstandings have flourished. "The typical student at our school is Asian American and studious," one student reports. Another says: "It's really a shame when I smile at someone on a sunny day, and they shrink away in fear." Many students, however, are thankful for the diversity and the fact that students aren't cut from the same mold as those at other large schools. "Great professors and nice, dorky kids," is how one student sums up the demographic. "UCSD has very smart people doing really incredible things." They can "surf and dance and loads of other things, so it just goes to show that intelligence comes in all kinds of packages." As has been established, some view the nightlife as a dead zone, but many find kindred spirits through sports teams, whether it's university-sponsored or intramural. There are many campus groups, but some students wish there were a higher level of political involvement. "Many students are into their studies and hardly venture out of their comfort zone to take advantage of what college has to offer," one says.

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