Insights on UC La Jolla?

I'm giving serious thought to applying to UC La Jolla. Who has some thoughts or experiences they could share about this institution?

UC La Jolla, more commonly referred to as UC San Diego, is a renowned institution, well known for its solid academia and research opportunities. Situated near the Pacific Ocean, students often note the university's beautiful location as one of its top features.

Academically, UC San Diego is particularly renowned for its programs in biology, engineering, and economics. If you lean towards STEM fields, this is definitely a school you should consider, given the high-quality courses and research opportunities. Even if STEM isn't your area of interest, the school offers a wide array of majors and has a strong humanities division too.

One unique aspect of UC San Diego is its college system. The university is divided into seven residential colleges, each with its own philosophy, general education requirements, and unique housing. This structure can help create a smaller community feel within the larger university, but it’s important to look closely at each college’s philosophy and general education requirements when you apply.

That said, student life at UCSD is not all work and no play. With over 600 student organizations available, there's no shortage of ways to get involved outside the classrooms. And the proximity to the beach can lead to many fun recreational activities.

Remember, UC San Diego is part of the UC system, which means it's test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle. In other words, these schools do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. So, your application will heavily rely on your GPA, essays, and the activities you've been involved in.

Every student's experience is unique, and opportunities can greatly vary based on things like major, involvement in student organizations, housing, and a myriad of other factors. I'd recommend reaching out to some current students or alumni for their personal experiences. Alternatively, you could also try attending a virtual info session or tour to get a feel for the campus and student life. It's important to do as much research as possible to ensure a school is a good fit for you!

FYI - the filing period for UC applications is from October 1 to November 30, so make sure your application materials are ready by then if you do decide to apply!