UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO | HOW TO GET INTO UCSD | College Admissions | College vlog

Summary

In this video, Shirish Gupta introduces the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), offering insights into its location, academics, campus life, and admission process. He highlights UCSD’s strong academic reputation, diverse majors, and global research opportunities. With a focus on fit, he discusses the various residential colleges, their unique strengths, and how they contribute to academic and social life. Shirish also provides valuable admission advice, emphasizing the importance of showcasing academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth. His tips, drawn from years of experience, aim to help students gain admission to their dream college.

Takeaways

• 😀 UC San Diego (UCSD) is located in San Diego, California, near the Pacific Ocean, and covers 1,976 acres of coastal woodland.
• 😀 UCSD is a top 5% university globally, renowned for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, oceanography, biology, and economics.
• 😀 UCSD has seven residential colleges, each with unique general education requirements and academic focuses, including humanities, science, and social sciences.
• 😀 UCSD's campus offers a balance of urban and natural settings, and the university boasts modern architecture, including an iconic inverted pyramid library.
• 😀 UCSD operates on a quarter system, with intense workloads and large class sizes, especially in undergraduate courses, where classes can reach up to 500 students.
• 😀 The university has a strong graduate program with nearly 9,000 students enrolled in over 127 programs, and many professors are involved in research.
• 😀 UCSD is known for its lively social atmosphere, with students balancing rigorous academics with the vibrant beach environment of San Diego.
• 😀 While UCSD is not a sports-focused school, it has a growing reputation in Division 2 sports, particularly in women's athletics.
• 😀 The university's tuition for California residents is $15,000, while out-of-state students pay up to $60,000 annually. Housing and dining can range from $15,000 to $20,000.
• 😀 UCSD's admission process focuses on academic achievement, leadership, creativity, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. Applicants should showcase their unique qualities through essays and activities.
• 😀 UCSD offers limited scholarships for undergraduates, with international students typically not receiving merit-based scholarships. However, there are opportunities for graduate students to secure funding.

Q & A

What is the location and size of UCSD's main campus?

UCSD's main campus is located near the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, covering approximately 1,976 acres of coastal land.

What are some of the most popular majors at UCSD?

Popular majors at UCSD include engineering, computer science, oceanography, biology, chemistry, economics, psychology, and cognitive sciences.

How is UCSD's academic environment structured?

UCSD has a quarter system where students take three to four courses every 10 weeks. It also has seven residential colleges, each with its own focus and general education requirements, giving students flexibility in their academic experience.

What are UCSD's residential colleges and their unique features?

UCSD has seven residential colleges: Revel (humanities and sciences), Mayer (flexible distribution requirements), Thurgood Marshall (student development), Warren (internship programs), Eleanor Roosevelt (international studies), Sixth (arts and technology), and Seventh (environmental sustainability).

What is UCSD's social scene like?

UCSD has a more academically focused social environment, with students balancing rigorous coursework with relaxation at the beach. Greek life and traditional sports culture are less prominent, but there are still social gatherings and events.

What is the cost of attending UCSD?

UCSD's tuition ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on residency. For California residents, tuition is approximately $15,000. Housing and dining costs add another $15,000 to $20,000 per year.

What financial aid options are available at UCSD?

UCSD offers merit scholarships, which average around $11,000, and need-based financial aid. However, international undergraduate students are not eligible for scholarships. Graduate students may find departmental scholarships or funding options.

What GPA is required for admission to UCSD?

The recommended GPA for California residents is 3.0, and for international students, it is 3.4 out of 4.0.

What qualities does UCSD look for in applicants?

UCSD seeks students with strong academic achievements, leadership skills, motivation, tenacity, creativity, and personal growth. Applicants should demonstrate their maturity and ability to overcome challenges in their personal statements.

How can applicants improve their chances of admission to UCSD?

To increase your chances of admission, focus on showing your academic excellence, leadership qualities, and personal development. Use your essays to highlight your challenges, growth, and the impact you've made in your community or school.