Admissions

The 6 college system may seem daunting at first, which one will be best for you? Definitely read up on the colleges' general ed class requirements and your major requirements, some will match up perfectly and will be convenient. I, on the other hand, did not do this. I'm an engineering major in Thurgood Marshall College (which is geared toward humanities) so I'm taking many classes that will only make my stay at UCSD longer. Nonetheless I've made the most of my situation and am enjoying myself. Also look into financial aid, because I've had my need almost completely met each year, and they are always a big help. Oh and if living on campus: bring a bike, the campus is HUGE.

Definitely tour the campus, and if you have an interest APPLY!!!!
Utilize the resources this school has to offer. There are plenty of tools and opportunities, no excuses to not be having the time of your life in all respects!

The most important thing is to communicate with your counselor and ensure all of the transcripts, financial aid applications, and other sorts of paperwork are submitted before the deadline to avoid future headaches. In addition, those interested in impacted areas of study (e.g. the entire biology department) should prepare to submit an additional application for the consideration of matriculation into their intended major. Those who are still undecided, no worries -- you will have plenty of time (until spring quarter of the second year) to declare you intended major. Also, visit the campus to get a feel of what it’s like to study at the university. Once accepted, be sure to get involved with the campus and the community through on or off-campus organizations the experience is very rewarding both in terms of service to the community and personal fulfillment or future career preparation. In addition, since UCSD operates on the quarter system, classes move incredibly fast. Before you know it, you will be taking your first midterm. A particularly useful strategy is to push hard during the first couple of weeks and then ease off afterwards; and, go to the library! The result is a high level of academic achievement in the beginning that will give you the momentum you need to finish off the quarter strong. Above all, remember that even though you are in a competitive university with even more competitive peers competing for highly competitive degrees in order to matriculate into competitive careers or graduate schools, take a break once in a while and grab coffee, run out to the cliffs and watch the sunset, or just have some pain old fun. If these years are truly our best, then it’s equally important to enjoy ourselves and make the most of our college experience.

Ok so first things first, check out all the colleges! Before picking your top 3 do your research. You don't want to be taking classes that don't really interest you or those you think won't interest you. I'm in Muir College and I picked it for its Environmental Theme, thus my major Environmental Systems, Chemistry. I like that it is also the college closest to the beach and with the most beautiful view of the ocean. I like the intimacy and comfort that it brings and the convenience of the main gym next door. But in terms of the general education classes, they are the most flexible so if you want to double major or major and minor then there should be no problem, in my opinion. Choose the right college for the right focus. ERC focuses on international studies and like studies, Revelle focuses on science for the most part, if you want to be an engineer choose Warren.
Now for other things, bring a bicycle, or if you skate, bring a skateboard. The campus is pretty large and unless you want to speed walk like I had to do the entire winter quarter, bring some mode of transportation.
Bring a little refrigerator if you are living in the residential areas. The apartments already have a fridge, but the residential dorms do not. If you are going to be living in a triple a mini refrigerator is essential. It'll make your life easier; it made my life a lot easier.
Go to class! There is not point in skipping class, what else are you going to do! Unless it's SunGod then you have no excuse. Or if you have an 8 am class and it's already spring quarter, then maybe I'll cut you some slack. But seriously go to lecture and office hours and discussion. You might have a question to ask and it is very important to get it answered so you won't fall behind.

As for all colleges, it is important to talk to a counselor early. I made the mistake of waiting until my third quarter to find the degree that I really wanted to get into and now I have to take an entirely different math series. Another thing I found that I really liked was joining a group, even though it took me a long time to find one. I am usually a very shy person, but once I joined I found that I really liked everyone there that I was in contact with. I found that I really liked being able to ride my bike even when it was just for a ride. I was also able to share my bike with my friends. Its also really nice when you have to go across campus or don't want to walk when you have a few hours between classes. Study groups are nice especially with roommates or suite mates because they usually have good insights and can collaborate with everyone else.

-Don't procrastinate
-GPA is important, but not important enough to take over your life
-Take a breather, you'll do fine
-Everyone here is smart, get off your pedestal and accept criticism
-Try to go off campus once in a while
-Use your bus pass (you have it for a reason)
-Don't bring your car, parking is a little crowded
-Meet people, there are more people like you than you think
-Never hesitate to ask questions
-Be nice
-Pick Muir and not Revelle if you want to keep your sanity

For any prospective student, my biggest advice would be to do your research! Look into the 6 college system and rank them carefully, based on your major and academic patterns. Do not rank them based on what sounds the coolest because you may choose one that is less suited to your path than another. Research the housing options for the various colleges and apply for any themed housing that interests you. Research scholarship opportunities and on-campus clubs before you get to campus. And most of all, VISIT! Go to Triton Day if you have the means! Seeing your campus in real life, walking across it, and imagining yourself there will be the most helpful and inspiring thing you can do to prepare. And if you do know your major, contact your major's undergraduate advisor and ask what you can do to prepare yourself for your field of interest.

Keep an open mind about everything. Remember that everyone is different, and you should not let people pressure you into going somewhere because they think it may be better or more fun. The right college for one person does not mean it is the right college for you. Make sure to get involved your first year, because making friends your first year is how you will get through the rest of your time in college!

Buy a bike or skateboard. The campus is too large and it will take you long time to get from this side to other side.

When entering UCSD, it is important to keep a positive outlook and to stay true to who you are. To become successful in not just UCSD, but anywhere, it is crucial to know who you are and what kind of person you want to be. Do not conform to fit any type of social standard or to develop any relationships, because ultimately you will not succeed and end up unhappy with who you've become. The key to success is good old-fashioned honest hard work and determination. Go to your lectures, don't oversleep, keep up with your courses, ask questions in class, stay healthy, give yourself time to socialize and relax, but most importantly, know the balance between work and play. These are the steps to success.