<p>Hi everyone, I'm a rising senior and I'm trying to narrow down my college list and decide where I am going to apply. I live in LA and I would like to stay in Southern California. I want to major in Biology and go on to do something in the medical field. I have a great GPA (3rd in my class), pretty good test scores (33 ACT), and okayish ECs. Some schools that I am definitely applying to are UCLA, USC, UCSD, and Pomona College. I definitely need some safeties, and I have no idea which ones to choose. Also, are there other good schools in the area that I should be considering? Any input is much appreciated :)</p>
<p>University of San Diego, Loyola Marymount, Azusa Pacific, Point Loma, Pepperdine, Chapman and UCSB are the first that come to mind for good schools that are definitely low match/safety for you. Your major isn’t restrictive as virtually every school has some type of bio.</p>
<p>I’m also planning to apply to UCSB and LMU. Do you think I should apply to any Cal states? If so, which ones?</p>
<p>What about Harvey Mudd, Caltech and Claremont McKenna (These are all reaches though)? Occidental College is also a pretty good safety for you .</p>
<p>I don’t really think I would fit in at Caltech or Harvey Mudd, since I don’t want to be an engineer or anything. I’ve looked at Claremont McKenna and I am considering it, but it’s not a school that I’m dying to go to. I forgot about Occidental, thanks!</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the cal states other than Poly SLO and SDSU. I’m sure they both have decent biology programs, but again, it all depends on what you want in the school. SLO isn’t exactly socal and SDSU isn’t in the greatest part of San Diego (compared to UCSD)</p>
<p>Yeah, I think SLO is too far. I’m thinking of maybe applying to Cal State Long Beach as a safety.</p>