UCSD colleges, what's generally seen as easier to get into?

I'm planning to apply to UCSD, and I know the university is divided into different colleges. My guidance counselor advised me to seriously consider which one I want to apply to...which colleges are generally considered easier to get into? I'm not aiming for 'the easiest' per se, just want to know the general perception here and set realistic expectations for myself. Appreciate the help!

While UC San Diego's college system can seem complicated, it's critical to keep in mind that the university employs a holistic admissions process. This means that UCSD looks at your application as a whole rather than basing its decision solely on a single element, such as your intended college.

Now coming to your question: for UC San Diego's unique college system, there isn't an 'easier' or 'harder' college to get into. This is because when you apply to UCSD, you are admitted to the university first, and then to your chosen college. The seven colleges review the applications, and rank them based on the college preferences that the students selected, not on academic criteria. Because of this process, there's no definitive answer to your question about which colleges are 'easier' to get into.

I'd recommend picking the college that fits best with your personal and academic goals. Each college at UCSD has its own general education requirements, teaching philosophy, and residential community which can significantly influence your undergraduate experience.

For instance, Muir College has the loosest general education requirements, giving you more flexibility in your course selection, while Revelle College has a more rigid curriculum, which could be a benefit if you're seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education. Conversely, if you want a smaller, more tight-knit community feel, Sixth College might be the way to go.

Ultimately, you'd want to closely examine each college's general education requirements, living conditions, co-curricular activities, programs, and themes to see which one aligns best with your preferences.

Remember, getting accepted into UCSD as a whole is an accomplishment in itself, so focus on crafting the best application you can and choosing the college that feels like the best fit for you.