Cal Poly SLO vs UCSB

College Search & Selection
1

<p>My daughter has been admitted to UCSB and UCD. She is waiting to hear from Cal Poly and UCLA. She is a Regent's Scholar at UCSB so there is no doubt she will be admitted to Cal Poly. Her major is Biology with the goal of grad school (Physical Therapy). Does anyone have any idea how Cal Poly prepares students for pre-med or pre-health sciences? What about its reputation? I think her heart is at Cal Poly. How competitive are the science classes at UCLA with so many pre-med students? Any ideas?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>If your daughter is a Regent's Scholar at UCSB, I would definitely go to UCSB. UCSB's biology program is better IMO than Cal Poly.</p>

<p>But, if Cal Poly is cheaper and she prefers the Cal Poly environment, then I would encourage her to attend.</p>

<p>
[quote]
How competitive are the science classes at UCLA with so many pre-med students? Any ideas?

[/quote]

If UCLA is any similar to Berkeley among pre-meds, the science classes are very competitive. (i.e. pulling fire alarms during finals - type crazy)</p>

3

<p>Also, check out this recent thread which asked for a similar comparison:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/466328-ucsb-vs-cal-poly-slo.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/466328-ucsb-vs-cal-poly-slo.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

4

<p>^^concur. The UC's intro sciences are extremely competitive; many premeds skip their AP credits and retake AP Bio/Chem/Physics in hopes of a college A. Someone without AP or a really strong honors bio/chem class in HS is at a distinct disadavantage. If PT is her goal, then SLO is probably an more fun route.</p>

5

<p>She should go where her heart is, and I say that as a UCSB alum. College is about more than the classes you take, its about the people you meet and the experiences you have. If she's visited both schools and has a clear preference, then its a straightforward decision. BUT make sure she has visited both schools, talked to current students, etc. so that she understands what each school is like and isn't working off of assumptions of how they will be.</p>

<p>BTW don't be too surprised if she ends up changing majors and career goals. A lot of kids start college with one idea in mind but as they explore it more they find out it isn't quite what they wanted, or they discover other majors/areas they weren't aware of before college.</p>

6

<p>I had a similar experience in that I was accepted to SLO and UCD for biology. Like your daughter, my heart was at SLO and that's where I went. I definitely haven't regretted it.</p>

<p>SLO already has a very good science program and it seems to be something that the university is focusing on. They're completing a $120M science building in 2010, I believe. Here's some data on grad school acceptance:</p>

<p>College</a> of Science and Math - Health Professions Advising</p>

<p>I should also mention that UCSB is a VERY strong school, especially for bio. It's a tough choice.</p>

7

<p>If she's a regent's scholar then I suggest UCSB. They're both solid schools though so the difference is not that big. Also note that Cal Poly is better known for its Engineering and Architecture programs rather than its Science programs.</p>