Hi everyone! So I’m currently debating between attending UCSB and USC in the fall. I was admitted to UCSB as a Pre-Biology major w/ Pre-Med and Honors. For USC, I was admitted into Biochemistry but I’m actually thinking of changing to Neuroscience. Originally USC was my dream school, but after much consideration I’ve realized that UCSB is an equally great school. I was wondering if anyone had any input of which would be a better choice. Although USC is double the tuition of UCSB, money isn’t an issue because my grandpa has already told me he will pay for my college.
I’ve already visited both campuses. I visited USC several months ago (actually gonna visit again this week) and I loved it. I really saw myself attending. But then I also visited UCSB this past week and I just loved the atmosphere. It felt so chill and relaxed. I felt that I could really achieve my academic success while still having a social life and fun. Note, I’d actually rather stay away from the party scene. But I think that is manageable with either school. I would just really like a school where I can get a good education but not have to be completely overstressed due to over-competition. I expect that both schools are competitive but I do want one where I can take a breathe at times.
I do want to do a minor in college but I think my options are a bit more limited w/ UCSB compared to USC. I was also hoping to study abroad. So if anyone has any insight on that regarding these schools that would be cool. Additionally, how would you compare the undergraduate research? I know that UCSB is pre-dominantly undergraduate w/ less graduate students so I’ve heard there is more opportunity for undergraduates to participate in research since you aren’t competing with graduate students. On the flip side, would is it hard to get undergraduate research at USC?
I can’t answer any questions except your main one, I do not think it is crazy and I think that UCSB is a very good college.
I think it is perfectly fine to choose UCSB over USC… you certainly won’t be the first or only student to make that choice. UCSB is very, very strong in STEM fields. It has a beautiful campus right on the beach… academics are serious, but not competitive. And given that it is significantly cheaper than USC, I would think that makes this an obvious choice.
What does this mean? There is no official pre-med designation at UCSB or any other UC that I know about. Pre-med is a label you give yourself.
Many, many colleges in the country are perfectly capable of providing the classes you need to prepare for med school as well as the research opportunities. I suggest you start by by learning more about what becoming a strong med school applicant takes. Read thru the very informative FAQ at http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa/15890.asp They also have a nice writeup in the PreMed Essentials link on the left side of that page. Either of these 2 schools is a fine choice, so going to the one you think is a better fit makes sense to me.
In the end your success is going to depend on you. Did you get to know some profs so you get good recs? Take part in research? Volunteer or work in a medical setting (an unofficial admission requirement)? Get good grades? Do well on the MCAT? Schools don’t do any of this for you, you do it. The advising system might be a bit better at USC; you DO get something for that 2x cost!
I always ask kids that say they want to be doctors, why an M.D? Not that I know it is wrong for you, it may be the right fit, but have you actually looked into the medical field and considered the alternatives? From the day you start college it will be 11-15 years before you are a practicing doctor, depending on what field you go into. In other words, think back to 1st grade; all those years since then matches the minimum it will take to become a practicing doc! Its almost a reflex action among HS kids, they think of a career in medicine and its “I’m pre-med!” Doctors are far from the only ones in the health field that help people. Physical therapists, radiology techs, nurses, speech pathologists, to name but just a few. Before you go heavily into debt and commit so many years I suggest you explore the alternatives.
“Although USC is double the tuition of UCSB, money isn’t an issue because my grandpa has already told me he will pay for my college.”
Perhaps your family has already gone through all of the details, but before you commit to either place, do make certain that this agreement with your grandpa is solid. To start with, does he know to the penny how much each place will cost you? Is the money already set aside for you in your name somewhere, or does he plan to pay it each year? If anything would happen to him, will the money still be there for you? If he can’t pay, will your family be able to cover the difference?
If you are receiving any financial aid from either university, and your grandpa would cover some of your expenses, then that has to be reported every year, and can result in your aid being reduced. So take that into consideration too.
Also, if you intend to go on to medical school, find out if grandpa will apply the money not spent by choosing the lower cost school toward medical school costs.
I receive zero financial aid from either schools. 
Trying to apply for scholarships though. This agreement is already set in stone and it would definitely be able to cover either school. So really it’s down to the schools and the programs and whatnot…
I think I already answered this question in another of your threads. If you perform well at UCSB, your career or graduate admission prospects should not suffer in any way. They may even be slightly enhanced, depending on what research opportunities you take on.
If UCSB is significantly less expensive than USC, I see no reasonable justification to choose USC. UCSB’s campus / community may prove to be too enjoyable for you, not the opposite – focus on academics first.