Located in La Jolla, a seaside resort community of San Diego, California, this public, coeducational research university is a great college to check out! UCSD, as said on the online virtual tour, “is designed to offer the best of both worlds: the resources and status of a major world-class university and the advantages of a small liberal arts college.” U.S. News and World Report magazine have ranked UCSD the seventh publicly supported institution in the nation. The university’s faculty consists of several award nominated professors, including five Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners. UC San Diego has six college undergraduate programs, each specifically focusing on one academic area. The John Muir College, for instance, “assists students to optimize their academic experience and be aware of educational alternatives.”

UCSD’s graduate programs have also been given high rank and praise in a current U.S. News and World report study. Some of the programs that were mentioned were the university’s drama/theater program (3rd in the nation), its School of Medicine, School of Engineering (10th in the nation), and the Bioengineering Department (3rd in the nation).

The university also has the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which has grown to be one of the largest and important marine science research and graduate training in the world. There are over 300 research programs as of now, including studies of global warming and coastal ocean process. Students can get a P.h.D. in oceanography, marine biology, and life sciences.

UCSD also has one of the most successful NCAA Division II athletics programs in the nation. The Triton teams have won 29 national titles. The Women’s Soccer Team is the current Division II champion, winning back-to back championships. UCSD also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as backpacking, skiing, and kayaking expeditions (Outback Adventures). And, since the university is located minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, many of the students enjoy surfing, SCUBA diving, and beach parties.

The university’s campus has both resident halls and apartments, and there is a great selection to choose from when you’re ready to chow. There are over 250 student organizations on campus, and a wide range of student services.

*UCSD’s student-led walking tours start at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays). For a reservation call (858) 822-1455 or e-mail the university at campustours@ucsd.edu