<p>I'm currently a psych major (B.S.) at UC Davis. I applied to Berkeley because it has been my dream school since I was a kid. I can't imagine <em>ever</em> turning down an offer of acceptance. I was offered acceptance for spring rather than fall, though. </p>
<p>Here's where it gets confusing: three weeks ago the PI at my psych lab offered me a two year paid position, where I'd be working with her and another undergraduate on a longitudinal study. This is a big lab that normally doesn't pay undergrads, and I've only been there for two quarters -- so it's quite an honor to be offered this position. This would be on top of another project that they are already letting me get highly involved in. In addition, the graduate student I have been working under for the past two quarters knows that I like the MRI study he is conducting and has been really nice about getting me more involved (I'm already MRI safety trained and get to go with him some weekends).</p>
<p>Now my brain is telling me stay in Davis because of the experiences and the letter of recommendation I could get out of it. My heart says Berkeley; I've never loved a campus so much. It fits personality exactly. While I don't mind Davis, I don't love it. It is only my research internship that keeps me from disliking it. But what a great internship. I can't decide if it's worth the Davis diploma over the Berkeley diploma, though..</p>
<p>Any advice? I know it is a personal choice. In the end it will be me who decides. However, I have my immediate family pushing me towards Berkeley (they've all graduated from Cal) and I just want to hear more objective opinions.</p>
<p>That’s true. I’m just thinking if I stayed and worked at this lab for a total of three years, I’d get a great letter and tons of experience. Whereas if I transfer, I’m back to square one and I’ll only have 1.5 years at Berkeley = less involved in research in the end + two mediocre letters. Then again, I’d probably try to extend my graduation by double majoring and I could get involved for enough time then.</p>
<p>And of course my officer is out of the office for two weeks. I need to ask for permission to finish a required English class (I took two quarters of English, but I guess they want a year of English, not just two classes) and my physics series at Davis before Spring. If I’m only allowed to take one semester of English at CC, I will be set back too much and that may be a deal breaker as I’m pre-med. I need to let my PI know asap because my training would be starting this week if I stay at Davis and she needs time to find and train a replacement if I transfer…</p>
<p>Wow what a tough situation. Usually the advice is go where you will be happier which seems to be Berkeley, and I’m going to stick with that advice. The reason for that is:
Berkeley is an excellent research institution especially for your field, so getting a letter of recommendation from a world renowned professor at Berkeley is highly plausible.
Because you have Research Experience already, it will be much easier for you to find it when you transfer. Just email professors at Berkeley that you are interested in doing research with (make sure they are full professor at least) until you get a yes.
You’ll be happier at Berkeley. If you love everything about it, you’ll do well there, which is extremely important when applying to medical school.
Since you’re premed, you have access to CHORI (Oakland Children’s Hospital), and UCSF.
Since you’re premed, don’t be afraid to take a year or two off to continue doing research at Cal ( hopefully paid now because you’ll have graduated), strengthen your app with other EC’s, and enjoy a longer experience at your dream school. This will allow you to solidify your experiences even more, give you great letters of recommendation, and allow you to save money for that all expensive med school application cycle (primaries+secondaries+interview airfare+second looks=thousands of dollars) which is why majority of people these days are taking 1-2 years off before applying.</p>
<p>Anyway hope this helps you make a decision.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, Mayoasian! I am mostly worried that since I’m a spring transfer, professors will not want me because I won’t (officially) be around too long. One of the main reasons the professor at Davis has let me get so involved is because I joined as a sophomore and there was plenty of time to train me for multiple projects and still have the time investment pay off (although I feel bad leaving now… :P)</p>
<p>But you’re right; there are opportunities at Berkeley as well and I have already shown initiative, so hopefully that will help me find somewhere. I’m pretty sure my research experience is what got me accepted. I love Berkeley and I feel like I will end up sending in my SIR… I’m just so conflicted.</p>
<p>Glad to know that I could be of some assistance.</p>
<p>One more thing. Obviously because you got in to Cal, you are a bright, motivated, hard working student which should give you a good foundation for getting in to medical school. However, let’s just say hypothetically that med school doesn’t work out and you decide to go a different route with your psych degree (business,clinical psych, research, etc). I’m not trying to downplay the quality of education at UC Davis at all, however Cal has one of the best if not THE best psych program in the country. Cal’s reputation, along with letters of recommendation from previously stated world renowned faculty would open so many other doors for you if you decided that medical school wasn’t right anymore.</p>
<p>Thank you both for taking the time to read my replies and to respond! I think I’m focusing too much on the safest option (Davis). I know I will regret not taking the risk of transferring a few years down the road – especially since Berkeley is my dream school. I am still so emotionally overwhelmed… I never expected to be admitted as a intercampus transfer. </p>
<p>MortimerC, I’ve also been thinking about doing this. Do you think it’s too early to start sending emails now (or next month) since I wouldn’t be arriving until January?</p>
I need to ask for permission to finish a required English class (I took two quarters of English, but I guess they want a year of English, not just two classes) and my physics series at Davis before Spring. If I’m only allowed to take one semester of English at CC, I will be set back too much and that may be a deal breaker as I’m pre-med. I need to let my PI know asap because my training would be starting this week if I stay at Davis and she needs time to find and train a replacement if I transfer…</p>