<p>I got admitted to CSUF, CSULB, CSULA, UC Merced, and UC Riverside. When I told my mom that, she told me that I should be realistic and seriously reconsider my ambition to be a doctor(I wanted to work in a hospital). Since I didn't get into a prestigious school like UCSD, I'm probably not going to make it through the tough prerequisites and competition in order to become a doctor. </p>
<p>I really want to work in the medical field. So for now, my other choices were either a nurse or a pharmacist. However, UCR doesn't offer a nursing program. I've thought of transferring into another UC after staying at UCR for a few years, but application to transfer isn't always guaranteed, right? Now I just feel kinda lost now to which college I should attend. </p>
<p>I'm also at a Cal state vs. UC inner turmoil. Do employers prefer applicants from a UC more because their reputation? Because I know that it's hard to transfer into a UC from a cal state seeing that community college students have first dibs. </p>
<p>I’m just going to take a shot in the dark and suggest that a lot of doctors did their undergrad at UCs other than San Diego. Or even (gasp) CSUs! </p>
<p>There are other options for clinical careers in the medical field - dentistry, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, veternarian, physical therapy, nurse anesthetist, etc.</p>
<p>I’d go to the school where you think you fit in best, that has a good, open pre-professional advising program for life science careers, and that has good science facilities, faculty, and research/work opportunities for undergrads.</p>
<p>Thanks! Your advice was really helpful
It’s just my asian mom had this whole concept set in mind after she chatted with her friends and now really wants me to attend one of the UCs. I’ve been reminded of that everyday with her advice. So I’m confused with what I want and where I want to go.</p>
<p>Don’t discount the advice your mother gives you. She knows you best and has your interests at heart. She’s probably been thinking about this decision for 18 years or so…</p>
<p>First of all you CAN become a doctor even though you did not get into one of the top level UC’s - now for your choice. I would opt for UC Riverside. They actually have a new medical school forthcoming:</p>
