I went to UCSD for 2 1/2 years after I transfered from a community college. I know many of the graduate students and I am familiar with most of the art history and studio faculty. I think UCSD is a great school and with a full ride it is a great option.
I will say this though, most of the painting faculty have gone and for the most part UCSD is not interested in painting unless it is a attached to a highly conceptual enterprise. If you are willing to perhaps move your painting practice in that direction then I would say UCSD might be a good choice.
