Hi,
I'm a California CC transfer student choosing between UCSD Math-CS at Revelle and Cal for Mathematics (also considering UCSB CCS Mathematics, UCI Applied & Computational Math, UCR Regents Statistics, but just a little bit less than these two). I am aiming for a career in any of: quant, tech, and/or academia (quant seems like the right mix of research and mindless corporate droning I want to do, but it's so competitive I'm not sure about my chances). Would UCSD bar or disadvantage me in getting these roles? How are the career prospects for a Math-CS major? For my junior year summer, I would also be aiming for research in Math/CS or internships in the tech or quant industry. Is this doable from UCSD? Assuming all goes perfect this summer, I should have math research experience at a T10 (Sorry I also hate using T[insert number] terms, but I don't want to accidentally dox) university, math research at another T20 university, and an internship at a place somewhat similar in prestige to NASA/JPL.
At Cal, I would likely be double majoring in either Mathematics and Statistics or Mathematics and Data Science. I don't really care about the "CS" degree name on my resume, nor do I really want a CS degree. However, there are a select few courses that would be nice to take, such as: databases, networks, and AI/ML. I understand that Math-CS majors do not have CS course priority, and I imagine these courses must be extremely popular at UCSD among CS majors already. Would it be doable to get into these courses as a Math-CS major?
Here are a few miscellaneous questions as well:
How is the social life at UCSD? I am somewhat introverted, but I would like to be involved in a school with an active social scene and wanted to know if UCSD really is socially dead. I've heard this reputation is heavily over exaggerated, but how would the social scene here compare to UCSB or Cal?
Do transfers at UCSD only get 6 quarters to graduate? I expect to graduate within 2 years, but some cushion to take extra courses and focus more on extracurricular activities would be nice. UCI mentioned they offer 9 quarters, UCB mentioned they offer 4 semesters with a 5th semester given upon request, and UCSB seemingly offers 6 quarters and more upon request depending on major completion.
How is the housing situation at UCSD? UCSB and Berkeley students don't seem to be having a fun time in the housing marketplace. Is it the same at UCSD as well?
How difficult would double majoring in a screened major be at UCSD? I understand that as long as you pass the requirements, you would be eligible to double major in either of the two screened majors currently offered at UCSD, but how difficult would it be to finish a double major as a transfer before graduating?
How bad is coming into Revelle College as a transfer? I am likely to have finished my IGETC by the end of this Spring semester, and Revelle seems to accept this certification. However, there still seems to be a few gen-ed courses required to take even with IGETC certification. How time-consuming would these courses be?
Assuming I choose UCSD, would you recommend living on-campus for my first year?
Would you recommend UCSD Math-CS over UC Berkeley Mathematics and UCSB CCS Mathematics?
Thank you for all the help!