<p>I was just wondering about the general level of competition concerning pre-med classes. I mean, I know that there's going to be a lot of competition no matter where I go, but is the environment more supportive, or more cutthroat? Also, how is the advising? Is it difficult to get research opportunities?</p>
<p>My parents are discouraging me from going to UCSD, because a college counselor that they spoke with said that it was a terrible choice for pre-meds. Because of the intense competition in science classes. I know that UC's aren't the best choice for pre-meds, but the only private school that I applied to was USC, and I'm still waiting for their decision. I've been admitted to UC Davis, which is supposedly less competitive (or rather the students are more relaxed).</p>
<p>I haven't visited yet, but I may in a week or two.</p>
<p>I’m a bio major and I don’t think there is intense competition in science classes. Half the class barely shows up and the averages make me think that people are hardly studying. And of the people I know that are pre-med, a lot of them hardly study! Getting into med school is difficult no doubt, but I wouldn’t call this place “intensely competitive”. Most people are friendly and like studying together too. I don’t know what councilor your parents talked to but from my perspective I don’t agree with them at all.</p>
<p>I was like you, coming in thinking that college students would be super studious and all that, but then I found out that most of them don’t go to class, waste their time not studying, and cram for their tests. And then most of my science classes have been curved, so you can get away with not knowing much since the averages tend to not be very high. Like I said, getting into med school isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t think somebody very dedicated to utilizing all their resources and studying enough couldn’t get As in most of the classes. But maybe that’s just me. I would like to hear others opinions.</p>
<p>^ lol this is exactly how I feel. The only exception are classes that utilize iclicker points.
You generally just do your own thing, study, and take your exam. Of course I am only speaking from a classroom perspective; not sure about actual fieldwork and the such. </p>
<p>From what I have seen, the school is overall very supportive. There are many events related to pre-med/health like info panels and the such. As for research and stuff… It is UCSD. I will leave it at that. In terms of the student body, there are pre-med clubs and the such. As far as being cutthroat, some people are really prude but that’s about it. </p>
<p>just a little side note: my teacher went to UCLA and she kept on telling us her experience there. she said that it is so cut-throat that some people would sabotage each other’s lab experiments (because getting the best results means extra credit or something). Not sure if she’s messing with us or not because she tells us some pretty crazy and unbelievable stuff… Like how she reassure us that if your roommate dies, you’ll get automatic straight As the whole quarter -.-’</p>
<p>Thanks for the thoughts!</p>
<p>@$KingsElite$
Wow I didn’t think that so many students would procrastinate. From what I’ve heard, it sounded like UCSD students were obsessed with studying lol. I’m pretty diligent about doing my work and going to class, so I guess this “competition” isn’t something that I have to worry about too much.</p>
<p>@DistressStudent
It’s great to know that UCSD has a supportive environment. And I’ve heard that UCSD has some of the best research facilities, but I haven’t heard anything about the competition to get those opportunities. So maybe the competition isn’t too bad? I know that at UCLA it’s really hard to get a spot for research stuff. Haha, I’ve also heard the rumor about sabotaging labs at UCLA. I’d never go to UCLA anyways…way too many people there!</p>
<p>Research: if you put some effort into sending out your resume and reaching out to professors, there’s bound to be a lab that takes you. The only people I know that didn’t get employed when they wanted to were the ones who thought the jobs came to them.</p>
<p>Environment: In general, most of the premeds I’ve met are very supportive and fun despite being serious about the workload. When I was a freshman I specifically avoided the premed population because I met a few snobs, but by now most premeds I know are both down to have fun and understanding about the workload. It helps that a lot of people with grandiose ideas of being premed are weeded out once you hit the harder upper divs.</p>
<p>Advising: I love the premed advising, programs, and orgs. Less supportive are the administration advising–I’ve had difficulty getting unit limits approved despite my good GPA and track record, which is something I’m still scratching my head over.</p>
<p>In general, I don’t see why the UCs would be bad for premeds. As for UCSD, I can name several hospitals to gain experience at within a 15min bus radius, plenty of research opportunities, and a supportive community that would benefit all premeds. </p>
<p>(Though for the record, I do think UC Davis is more laid back, if you shy away from competitive environments.)</p>
<p>I’ve narrowed down my choices to UCSD or UC Davis. It would be cool if I could have some insight on the professors at UCSD. Is it hard to meet them? One of my major concerns is being able to stand out in a giant class with hundreds of students.</p>