<p>Hello all, </p>
<p>I'm a senior applying to colleges. I plan on being a "premed" (yes I am sure I want to go medical school). I'm deciding on whether to go to a CSU (california state university) or a UC (university of california). I'm fairly confident that I will be able to get into some UC's and definitely into a CSU. I want to go to a CSU mainly because of their tuition but UC's are more "prestigious". Would it better for me to choose the UC and more expensive route or go to a CSU as my pre med school? </p>
<p>Thank you very much</p>
<p>Picking a college is a decision made by high school students and their parents. Med schools don’t really care about decisions made by high school students/parents. Med schools tend to care a great deal about what happens to applicants post high school. Students get into med school from both systems. A strong app is a strong app and will be your best friend when it comes down to applying for med school. Apply to both CSU/UCs and pick the school where you believe you can best fit in and thrive as you’re more likely to develop a strong app under such circumstances. </p>
<p>If college financial aid is not an issue for you/family, great. If it is a concern, I’d consider the less expensive option whether it be CSU/UC as a lot of aid for med school will be from of loans so it’s best to start med school with little, if any, debt. Also quoting gyngyn (an adcom on SDN), 65% of CA students who start med school attend OOS, just another reason to minimize college debt as OOS med schools will be more costly. Good luck. </p>
<p>I’d say UC has a better chance. However, cal ploy slo and Pomona also have good premed advisory. First, you should apply to all and see where did u get in first. </p>
<p>The UCs are the traditional premed schools in Calif. That doesn’t mean that the other publics can’t be, it’s just that’s the way it’s been in that state.</p>
<p>What are your stats? Do you qualify for Blue and Gold promise or a Cal Grant? </p>
<p>If your stats are high enough, then a lower UC would likely offer you some merit. Or another univ may offer you some aid.</p>
<p>How much will your PARENT contribute each year?</p>