<p>I'm looking at duke, ucsd, and uc berkeley for biomedical engineering. Although I applied mechanical engineering everywhere, i've already confirmed with duke and ucsd that i can switch into bme, and i'm assuming i can do the same with berkeley. My question is simply how the bme programs at these three schools compare. Also, some insight into external factors would be helpful. For example, location or campus life. I'm from CA and received the full regents at UCSD, but no scholarships from berkeley or duke. Any insight or comments would be helpful; thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I both do and do not envy your decision! If you are from California, you are in a decidedly better place to judge the "California" aspects of UCSD and UCB. I personally think that Durham rocks, but would be hard pressed to point out the things that make it "better enough" than SD or Berkeley to pull you here. Financial matters are certainly a concern, especially if you have Regents. </p>
<p>Given the information above, I would have to say go with your gut, and my guess is your gut is pointing towards UCSD, and that you should make sure to enjoy the Gaslamp district and Comicon :)</p>
<p>I'll let other Duke folk (and others) weigh in on the rest, but that is my take at the moment.</p>
<p>We have an undergraduate son at Duke and a son who is a graduate student (MD/PHD) at UCSD. Our son at Duke had also been accepted to UCSD (out of state so not necessarily a good financial deal) and was torn between Duke and the opportunity to be with his brother at UCSD. Two years later, I can say without hesitation that he's extremely happy at Duke!</p>
<p>We were visiting our older son at UCSD last month, and he made the comment that although he'd really like to have his brother nearby, he's really glad he chose Duke. HE said that from his observation, there isn't a real strong undergraduate community at UCSD, and he thinks his brother is having a much more positive experience than he would have had at UCSD. That said, I think there are also many positives, and you can probably find a niche at either school - both have wonderful programs as far as I've known. </p>
<p>On a side note to my "brothers story". We just got a call from the "Duke son" last night saying he was accepted into a summer internship program at UCSD's Scripps Institute of Oceanography!!!! Looks like he gets to do a little of both - Duke and UCSD. Maybe if you end up at Duke you could do something like that and experience both programs. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. :)</p>
<p>Even though I do live in california, I checked out Duke and fell in love with it. I didn't find the city of durham too appealing; it was pretty small and boring. On the other hand, the campus was extremely gorgeous and vibrant, and the students just glowed with the kind of academic intensity that i look for in a college. Yet, my dad is still telling me to consider UCSD because of its high rankings, proximity, and price tag. Thank you for your replies, but I hope to get some responses about UC berkeley's program as well. Also, i'm looking for some websites that indicate the percentage of BME students who apply to medical schools, and consequently, the % that are accepted. Also, what kind of jobs BME students receive at the respective schools. Once again, thanks in advance.</p>