UCSD Q&A (part one)

[@jessaponce2705]

wooo!!! so relieved to see this video. Future triton here! :)

[@RachelASeo]

ahh congratulations!

[@alaynaarrozal2136]

I've watched your videos since you were a first year and I've always dreamed of attending UCSD. That dream will be coming true in the fall as I will be coming in as a first year :) Thank you for all your videos, they've been so helpful

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations! Wishing all the best for you in the future

[@michaelaskins5863]

Got into UCSD at ERC, still trying to decide between a few schools but currently UCSD is probably first choice. Your videos were a pretty big influence on my choice

[@MrRookitty]

I'm in ERC, it's a great college. The college's emphasis is on international relations and global culture, so you'll do a series of mmw courses on global issues.

[@insectwormish6609]

@@MrRookitty Freshman potentially going into ERC - Do the MMW courses live up to how intimidating they seem? Thanks so much :)

[@MrRookitty]

@@insectwormish6609 I transferred in so I got lucky with just 2 mmw classes, but the mmw sequence for freshman is pretty long, it's about 5 classes. The one advantage is that the sequence thoroughly trains you for rigorous academic writing.

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations on getting accepted!

[@charliewang2u]

Thank you so much for your video! I feel a lot more confident now by coming to UCSD as an incoming transfer, and I was surprised to know my CS major is a capped major!

[@preciousduruji]

FUTURE TRITON HERE

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations!

[@shreeyacandipali7701]

ah you’re amazing! thank u for ur vids. i hope to see u at ucsd soon ;)

[@RachelASeo]

Thank you for watching!

[@undead1158]

Cool I am in the thumbnail! Thank you for answering our questions!

[@RachelASeo]

Thanks for asking!

[@ewbait]

Still torn between UCSD and a few other schools, but this definitely helped a ton!

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations on getting accepted! Best of luck in the future, whatever school you end up at

[@ashleyhuerta2273]

you are so helpful ! please continue on making other videos like these, because i am still deciding between UCSD and other schools. maybe about chemical/bioengineering if you could !

[@RachelASeo]

Thanks for watching, Ashley! I'll try to make more videos with as much information as I can :)

[@alexism5860]

thanks for this video, i’m super stuck between cwru and ucsd

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations on getting into both of those schools!

[@allielee]

What is your opinion on minoring in entrepreneurship? specifically, how is the workload and are there intern/research opportunities in business? thank you so much!

[@RachelASeo]

Hi - I've enjoyed minoring in entrepreneurship, because I've always been interested in learning more about management, marketing, and starting/running a business (which helps me run my KZbin channel). The workload is pretty easy and flexible, and there are definitely intern/research opportunities in business if you seek them out/are actively looking for them.

[@eduardovargas1133]

As a first year in warren with friends in most colleges I can tell you that different colleges have different room probabilities. In Warren there are no doubles. There are triples and singles. Our split is 40% of students in singles and 60% of students in triples, so for every triple there is two singles.

[@RachelASeo]

Thank you for the input, Eduardo!

[@hunterbarnett9075]

I got into the Theater major and was wondering if you knew anything about the arts culture at UCSD??

[@RachelASeo]

Hi - congratulations! Even though it's a majority STEM school, I think that the administration is trying to focus on arts & humanities as well, and for theater in particular there are several cool opportunities for you to get involved with - for example, there's a thing called Muir Musical that students put on every year (you don't have to be in Muir to participate) that's super cool. There's also the La Jolla Playhouse on campus where you can get involved and also watch plays and other theater productions. And then in terms of generally on campus, there's always a lot of cool concerts and events that happen every quarter, and those are always lots of fun.

[@hunterbarnett9075]

@@RachelASeo Thank you so much!

[@felixhwlam]

What do you think about Sixth College's GE classes?

[@RachelASeo]

I really enjoyed CAT! The writing sequence was super chill, and I'm particularly interested in the emphasis (Culture, Art, and Technology), so it was fun for me. During one of my classes we watched an episode of Black Mirror and designed our own games.

[@chrissyguillen9367]

LETS GOOOO 🧜‍♂️ marshall poli sci major commit for this fall 💙💛💙💛

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations!

[@Heather-ho5cz]

Hi Rachel, I just committed to UCSD today for the class of 2024. I was admitted to the business psychology major, hut I also have been thinking to minor in entrepreneurship as well. I am introverted to an extent and am not the best at public speaking, therefore, reading the entrepreneurship minor description where it says students make "pitches" seems out of my introverted comfort zone. Anyways my question is, how have you liked the minor? Has it been difficult for you? What are your thoughts?

[@RachelASeo]

Congratulations! I would actually check the Rady website (rady.ucsd.edu) to make sure that you're able to take an entrepreneurship minor with a business psychology major - for some business majors you're unable to take entrepreneurship as a minor because there are too many overlapping classes. But in general, I like the minor because it forces me to get out of my comfort zone, and I've been able to take classes in marketing and brand management, which is something I'm interested in exploring, so it's been very helpful for me overall!

[@drkitkatfluttershy2119]

Are there any literature/writing/english clubs?

[@animationfanatic2133]

I was homeschooled to, although i did it until i finished highschool

[@RachelASeo]

Nice!

[@natalia1989]

really hoping i get accepted into muir next year 😣

[@therecombinant6215]

How did you survive the traffic and commute around school?

[@eduardovargas1133]

The Recombinant live on campus as long as you can. My friends who live off sometimes arrive at 5am to get good parking spots. If you live close enough, take the bus. It won’t be convenient either, especially if it gets full and literally drives past you, but 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@RachelASeo]

In terms of commuting to and from school - I lived on campus for my first two years, and then moved off-campus to an apartment in one of the complexes that surrounds UCSD. People who live in an off-campus apartment typically take the bus and/or bike to school, and it's nice because your UCSD tuition covers the cost of a bus pass, so all students have the ability to use any of the San Diego MTS buses. Parking is pretty awful for commuters who want to drive right now because of construction, however, so if you're planning on living in an off-campus apartment, I would recommend taking the bus if you can. In terms of moving around *on* campus, I normally walk, but a lot of people ride bikes or skateboard around.

[@shannonrobinson5580]

Hi Rachael! I just got accepted as a transfer and wanted to thank you for the great content. I am wondering something though, I know that Pines has wonderful cheescakes, but does any place on campus have bread pudding? Do you happen to know? If so, can you purchase with dining dollars? Thanks!

[@RachelASeo]

Hi! Congratulations on getting accepted :) I don't know if there's any place specifically on campus that offers bread pudding, but I would say your best bets are 64 North or the Bistro, and both offer dining dollars.

[@shreyseth3318]

Hey Rachel, I got accepted into UCSD as an econ undergrad in Warren College. I'm kind of uncertain and confused about the culture and competitiveness at the school. Would you have any insight on that aspect?

[@RachelASeo]

Hi - congratulations! UCSD is pretty competitive, but I think the plus side of being surrounded by driven and motivated people is that you yourself are driven & motivated by proximity, and there's never a shortage of people to study with lol. Hope that helps!

[@jennap5979]

Question if you see this: I know a lot more now about the colleges than I did when I applied (I really just guessed). I got into Warren but I feel like Marshall would be a much better fit for me and aligns better with my values. Is there any way to request a change before the school year starts, or would it be largely discouraged?

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

After you’re accepted it’s really hard to switch colleges. In fact you have to make a petition on why (and it can’t be just because you don’t like it) usually they only allow switching of majors only if the college negativity affects your 4 year plan.

[@RachelASeo]

Ivette is right! People typically don't change colleges - it's very, very rare, and you have to petition - but just know that the college's different values are kind of abstract and don't necessarily box you into what you can write / learn about. I'm sorry you didn't get into the college you wanted, but just know that it doesn't limit your opportunities!

[@kassy_mart]

Are classes in UCSD very impacted?

[@giggleflowerpower]

Kassandra Martinez I haven’t specifically felt that they were impacted too much. I’m a first year Structural Engineering major and I have been able to get into all of my classes without too much stress. Your academic advisor will be able to help you regarding enrollment so you have the best chances at getting into your classes.

[@MrRookitty]

Because there are so many students, UCSD does enrollment in 2 waves. The first round only lets you enroll in classes up to 11.5 units, and the 2nd wave lets you enroll up to something like 20 units. Enrollment is competitive so you have to be strategic in the classes you pick for the first wave.

[@RachelASeo]

I've had to waitlist a few classes, but I've gotten into all of them so far! It just depends on the class and how you schedule things, when your enrollment time is (based on the number of units you have coming in - the more units you have, the better your enrollment time is), and how you arrange your four-year plan. STEM majors are more likely to stay for fifth years, but from what I've heard, everything is doable in four.

[@mariofuentes6935]

I got in as a Political Science major through ERC, I’m considering Irvine and Santa Cruz as well. Do you know anything about that department that can totally convince me on UCSD? What does UCSD offer in terms of internships or outside opportunities for that major?? I’d appreciate any response, thanks!!

[@nb9326]

Not Rachel but UCSD is one of the top poli sci schools in the country so if that's what you want to major in I would go. Good luck with your choice!

[@gloriak2082]

As a Poli Sci Major in ERC, I would definitely recommend it:) Like N B said, it's one of the top poli sci schools out there. The professors are awesome and really know their stuff (I would recommend Roeder for Poli12 (Intro to International Relations, a lower-div you have the option to take) and Herbst for Making of the Modern World (I had him for MMW12 but I believe he teaches another as well). If you have any specific questions about the ERC or Poli, I would be happy to answer them. Good luck with your decision!!

[@mariofuentes6935]

Gloria K yeah that’s was very helpful!! I just wanted to ask, how does UCSD help students in that major find internships or do political field work? I’ve heard having experience is key to finding jobs and connections after college in this field that’s why I’m concerned.

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

One of the defining factors that helped me decide on ucsd was the fact that they had so many resources for you. As they are a research school, there are SO MANY internship opportunities/ research opportunities, whether you’re a freshman or a senior. I’ve heard so much from my older college seniors friends that they find connections and helps them so much.

[@RachelASeo]

I have a friend who's a political science major and she's always talking about how UCSD is lowkey one of the top poli sci schools, and how much she likes her professors (one of the classes she took was How to Win an Election, taught by a professor who's also a local San Diego politician!). One of my other friends who's also a poli sci major was able to intern at a local Congressman's office, and there's a list of internship opportunities on the website that I found here (polisci.ucsd.edu/lawandpolitics/internships.html#Calderon-for-Congress).

[@fluffysocklover260]

how does rooming in dorms work? can people from other colleges dorm with you or is it only within your own college?

[@giggleflowerpower]

FluffySockLover Rooming is only with students that are in your same college. You can request someone from the same college to live with you or you can do random assignment

[@RachelASeo]

RT @cambria

[@kassy_mart]

Were you able to paid your tuition through the grants that UCSD offered?

[@giggleflowerpower]

Kassandra Martinez Everyone’s financial aid package is different. I believe that you should get a quote from UCSD soon that says how much aid the school would be offering you

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

Out of all the UC schools, I would say UCSD is the most generous in their financial aid packages. I received the most from them and I am not in loan debt :)

[@RachelASeo]

I don't currently have any grants, so I can't really speak on this, sorry! But Cambria and Ivette both have excellent answers and are probably more informed than I am :)

[@andyhuynh6084]

How hard is it to switch majors within the school of engineering?

[@RachelASeo]

Pretty hard, I believe :( Capped majors are hard to get into (but it's not impossible)

[@kassy_mart]

Would it be difficult to switch majors as a joint major?

[@giggleflowerpower]

Kassandra Martinez it depends on what major you’re trying to switch to. It would be pretty difficult if it’s an applied science, engineering, or biology because they’re all capped majors. If it’s a non-capped major though, it’s as simple as changing it online I believe.

[@RachelASeo]

I endorse Cambria's answer :))

[@erickumar1174]

As a first year erc student with the mmw writing track is it hard to take exploratory courses?

[@RachelASeo]

Honestly, I have no idea! But I think typically the colleges design their course sequences so that their students are able to graduate within four years, which, depending on your major, might give you leeway to take some classes and figure things out? Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!

[@octep416]

I got into muir and ik u dont, but what would u say is the likeliness of getting a single dorm as a freshman

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

Angela Mendiola Im a current freshman at ucsd in Revelle, and I have so many friends in muir. On the ucsd website it says 95% of freshman live in triples. All of the res halls consist of mostly triples some doubles and if you’re lucky a single. Your chances are extremely low.

[@octep416]

@@ivetterodriguez8739 Ohhh okay cool, thanks!

[@주누박]

Hi! Do you know how much I will be paying as a freshman? (like tuition, dorm, textbooks, stuffs to buy, etc.) I am international student btw

[@RachelASeo]

Hi, I'm not 100% sure but here's a webpage that might be helpful: fas.ucsd.edu/cost-of-attendance/undergraduates-2018/index.html

[@preciousduruji]

If I wanted to switch my college could I? I was selected for Revelle and I want to switch into Warren.

[@giggleflowerpower]

Precious Duruji Unfortunately, changing colleges is a extremely difficult process at UCSD. I believe the only way you can is petition and prove that you would able to graduate a couple of quarters earlier. You’re college doesn’t specifically matter, so I would worry about it too much :)

[@preciousduruji]

@@giggleflowerpower But aren't the GE requirements different

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

Precious Duruji yes the GE requirements are different (I am a first year in Revelle) however, they are not lenient with switching your college. That is why they have you rank them the order you liked. They will not let you switch just because you don’t like the GEs, you need to petition to your college on why it would negativity impact you from graduating in 4 years. It’s an extremely difficult process.

[@RachelASeo]

What college you're in doesn't really matter after your first or second year :) It mostly just impacts your location on campus when you live on campus and also your general education requirements. People talk about Revelle and ERC as the hardest, but all the colleges design their GEs to fit within the scope of a four-year plan, and I haven't really heard of anyone's schedule being affected a lot by what GEs they have to take.

[@evelyn4339]

Do u need to take a physics course in high school if you want to enter as a stem major

[@eduardovargas1133]

Evelyn what do you mean by this question? Are you referring to applying because I go to UCSD (Molecular & Cell Biology major) and took no physics courses in HS. Just make it clear that you are a STEM student with your extracurriculars and focus on getting good grades in your other STEM courses.

[@ivetterodriguez8739]

Lol I took no physics class in highschool, yet I’m a stem major.

[@RachelASeo]

Nope, not necessarily! I'm sure it'd be helpful depending on what major you're trying to pursue, but it's not necessary.

[@cooljasmine9055]

Do you know anything about UCSD’s international relations programs? I’m torn between ucsd and ucsb.

[@RachelASeo]

Hi! I have a few friends who are poli sci majors (not specifically int'l relations majors, but related!), and they really enjoy their classes and their professors. UCSD has a pretty highly ranked poli sci department, so from what I've heard it's a good school for that :) Hope that helps!

[@evelyn4339]

Is there any cons with going in as an undecided major?

[@RachelASeo]

Hmm, I can't really think of a ton? I think a con is that if you're going to try to get into a capped major it'll probably be relatively hard. But the plus side of undeclared is that you're very open, so you can try out a bunch of classes to figure out what you want to do (& therefore get a more diverse education / explore your interests)