<p>First it was only between UCLA and UCSD. Now Berkeley's in the picture. I'm a biology major (pre-med) and no I do not intend to be a doctor (but I might change my mind).</p>
<p>Can somebody list the pros and cons of each school?</p>
<p>Please include research opportunities if you are a student at any one of these UCs or graduated from one of these.</p>
<p>I would simply choose UCLA for the social life.</p>
<p>It's the mix of Berkeley and UCSD, strong academics, great location, and active social life.</p>
<p>I dont know about the research opportunities, I tend to think if you look for them you'll get them. They just happen to be more competitive at big state schools because there are so many students.</p>
<p>FOr sure cross off UCSD</p>
<p>UCSD is extremely good in bio.
Don't cross it off, consider it.
But i would choose Berkeley, simply because it is one of the best schools in the world.</p>
<p>Berkeley because the people there are cooooll</p>
<p>Berkeley: Norcal, cooler/rainier weather, intellectual environment, top programs in virtually everything, classical Grecian/varied architecture, student-oriented city, good public transportation, football on campus</p>
<p>UCLA: Socal, LA glamour, strong academic programs, Italian/red brick architecture, top sports, Westwood is not as student-oriented IMO, bus or car (or friend with car) needed to get around, football off campus, lots of students live in apartments around West LA.</p>
<p>UCSD: San Diego/La Jolla weather, residential colleges, noted prestigious biology programs, modern 60s architecture, beach, quieter campus, no football.</p>
<p>I have a bias for Berkeley. I prefer the refreshing change from Socal...but that's me...go for the school/environment you like better...they are quite different, but you won't go wrong academically with any. Hopefully, you had a chance to visit.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that I'm a transfer.</p>
<p>And yes I am interested in SoCal because I've been living in NorCal for 2 years now.</p>
<p>Also, I'm still wondering about research opportunities. If anyone can talk about them a little bit, it'll be awesome. :)</p>
<p>Thanks for all the posts again!</p>
<p>Also, this is kind of a different topic:</p>
<p>But which is better in your opinion?</p>
<p>Going to UCLA for undergrad, then UCSD for grad.</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>Going to UCSD for undergrad, then UCLA for grad.</p>
<p>Haha, just a thought.</p>
<p>I am partial to UCSD, but I think going to UCLA for undergrad and UCSD for grad school would give you the best mix of fun and academics.</p>
<p>=) i would like to bump my thread up!</p>
<p>i still need some opinions from UCLA/UCSD/UCB alum/students. :)</p>
<p>You're premed but don't want to be a doctor? I would choose Berkeley simply because it has the best academic reputation. If you wait a more laid-back experience and fun student life, then choose UCLA. IMO, UCSD should not be in the equation.</p>
<p>knut: Cal has one of the best, if not THE best, bio depts. in the country. So I'd go there. But if you want a change, UCLA, or UCSD if you don't care about sports/social stuff.</p>
<p>i just visited UCSD! its a pretty place... but i didnt feel the school spirit at all, maybe because it was a friday?</p>
<p>im visiting berkeley this friday! :)</p>
<p>Well I'de say the best bio program of the three is Berkeley without a doubt. I have heard great things about UCSD bio also. Ide assume UCLA has pretty good bio too.</p>
<p>If you want the best department and the best research opportunities, Berkeley is where it is at (unless you do marine bio, then probably ucsd). Berkeley and UCLA both have lots of school spirit. Both campuses have very different feels though. Imo you should go to Berkeley because it is the better school with the better program, more pretige, etc.etc. But really it all comes down to how you feel about it.</p>
<p>i have to decide by tonight! so that i can order my transcripts, call my friends about housing plans, and etc.</p>
<p>any more opinions? :)
by the way,
in berkeley : i will be B.A. Molecular Cell Biology
in UCLA: B.S. Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology (possible change to Psychobiology if i do go)
in UCSD: B.S. Molecular Cell Biology</p>
<p>how would the B.A. in berkeley affect me?</p>
<p>Did you visit?</p>
<p>Yes I have.
But if I look at it in terms of getting a good education, I wouldn't have any problems living in any of the three.
Although, I do feel some connection to UCLA's environment...</p>
<p>^ OK, it's definitely important to have a connection to the environment.</p>
<p>If you like UCLA's environment better, go there.
For biology though, UCSD and Berkeley have better reputations. UCSD is kinda boring to me...Berkeley has the best combination of academic prestige and campus environment...I'd choose Berkeley...<em>my insanely biased opinion</em></p>
<p>Okay, for Berkeley, does B.A. matter?</p>