<p>UCSC was son's first choice among the four UCs he applied. SFSU was one of his "safety" schools. For the last few weeks we were all set to send him to UCSC by taking out parental loans and unsubsidized student loans (Family contribution from FAFSA was too high for any financial aid to any school.)</p>
<p>Fast forward to present day where SFSU has offered son Presidential Scholar program. Financially this means free tuition for four years, $500 in books for each of four years, $4,000 towards housing freshman year only. In addition, they offer priority registration, special events, classes, trips for the Presidential Scholars.</p>
<p>Son hopes to attend medical school after graduating. Aside from basically getting college FREE, the SFSU opportunity seems like an outstanding opportunity. Plus, he would be able to put on resume and med school application that he was a Presidential Scholar, thus explaining his choice of college.</p>
<p>Question: Is SFSU diploma less desirable to medical schools, than one from UC?
Does SFSU Presidential Scholar carry more weight than UCSC regular student?</p>
<p>While UCSC degree might have a little more cache as a stand-alone degree, I doubt it would make a whit of a difference in med school acceptance. I’ve known many people who have led respectable lives with SFSU degrees in their background! Also the UCs. Both would offer your son interesting experiences…Can’t beat the cost for him of SFState and he would have SF as his “college town.” (Santa Cruz is great also.) Good choice to have; best of luck in the decision!</p>
<p>Looking at the medical school admissions threads might help with the decision. From what I understand, gpa is one of the three huge factors in admissions for medical school. (the other two are extracurriculur-research/volunteering experiences, and exam scores) All things equal, if your son were to attend UCSC and end up with a lower gpa by .2 over having attended SFSU, your son will have a greater shot of being admitted with the higher gpa from SFSU.</p>
<p>Also, have you, or your son, contacted SFSU and UCSC to inquire about their medical school admissions statistics/resources/etc… This might influence your decision greatly.</p>