<p>hii! so i will be to deciding b/wn UCLA, UCSD, or UCI for my undergraduate uni. and i'm concerned about which school'll be best for me to get into med school.. (actually i wanna try out for the MD/PhD program some schools offer)</p>
<p>i know GPA matters ALOTT for grad school admissions so i was wondering if it's better to risk getting a lower GPA at a harder school (since i'll be surrounded by super smart ppl i bet..) or getting a higher GPA at an easier school?
i'm scared i will fail at like ucla if i go and ruin my chances of getting into a good med school.. =/
oh and i'm thinking of school like ucsf/jhu/harvard... u guys get the picture hehe xP</p>
<p>You're looking at this from the wrong angle.</p>
<p>1) There's no guarentee that you'll get a "good GPA" at an "easy school," nor is it certain that you'd be unable to flourish at a "hard school."</p>
<p>2) All med schools in the US are good. Some are more name-brand than others, but underneath the shiny wrapper, the quality is the same. Of course, the school cultures vary.</p>
<p>What's most important, in my opinion, is your fit at each of those schools. If you haven't already, you should try to visit those schools in person. At the very least, talk to students who currently go to those schools and study things that you might be interested in. If the school culture is total wrong for you, you'll have a hard time doing well no matter how "easy" or "hard" the school.</p>
<p>"We don't have a ranking of undergrad schools that are better or worse than others," says Richard Silverman, director of admissions at Yale's School of Medicine. "That would be a terrible way to do business."</p>
<p>personally, i know i was somewhat in your situation last year before i decided on a completely different school. From what my friend has told me about UCI and another friend about UCLA, i would choose UCI, since there are fewer GE's. Um.. yah one of the major problems at the UC's is not being able to get your classes and discussions that are taught by TA's. So, if you have a lot of APs, you can get a lot of elective credits at UCI, so you will have more priority to get your classes- notice how im not telling you to waive any classes. UCLA system is different for taking APs. Its like either you move up to the next upper div class or you dont get credit for your AP score- something along those lines. Personally, I love UCLA, both the campus and student body, but i also i know every person who didnt get into some ivyleague ends up at either ucla or berk. But take this for what it is worth; there is no guarantee you will score better at UCI because it is "easier." obviously how easy your class is based on the test, teacher, and so many other factors. You gotta be happy where you go.</p>
<p>GE= general education requirements
for example 2 years of lit, or a required anthro course for example
obviously there are way more requirements at one school compared to another</p>
<p>I would go to the school that you like the most and that you're most comfortable at. In my opinion that's the best way to obtain success. I would hate to be in hell for four years of undergrad just so I can get a 3.9 vs. a 3.8 if I went to the place where I really wanted to go.</p>
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[quote]
I would go to the school that you like the most and that you're most comfortable at. In my opinion that's the best way to obtain success. I would hate to be in hell for four years of undergrad just so I can get a 3.9 vs. a 3.8 if I went to the place where I really wanted to go.
<p>i've thought about this a lot and have come to the following hypothesis. If you go to a school where you fit in and feel comfortable, then you should do fine and be happy. The same applies with choosing a major. So I would choose the school you LOVE. The whole experience will be enjoyable and remember you're/your family is paying for it.</p>
<p>bluedevilmike: haha i thought it WAS obvious that i was from california? i ONLY applied to 4 UCs (waiting for berkeley to come out) and no privates since UCs are cheaper and i am poor but not poor enuff for aid loll. </p>
<p>i think i would like UCLA more, but i'm not a very confident person AT ALL so i'm REALLY SCARED i will become a B average or worse student at UCLA.. i want to enjoy my college experience but also get a good GPA!! ahaha >.<
i know that all of the three schools will be VERY VERY HARD.. but UCLA would still be harder than UCI.. don't u guys agree? i live in irvine and don't really wanna go to UCI haha.. although it WILL save on housing expenses.. i've wanted to go to SD since i never thought i'd get into LA.. but i did so now i have that avenue i didn't even dare dream about open as well... </p>
<p>sooo med schools don't really look at wat undergrad u went to... REALLYYY?</p>
<p>and i will definitely be visiting the campuses and reading more about these things.. :)</p>
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sooo med schools don't really look at wat undergrad u went to... REALLYYY?
[/quote]
No, that's probably not true. The point is that it is more important to be an excellent student, no matter where you go.</p>
<p>High-powered privates are so much better about financial aid that you might have been surprised, had you attempted it. Stanford, for example, is completely free if your family makes less than $100,000 a year.</p>
<p>I would go to UCLA, just so there is a higher chance of getting tail-gated by a rich celebrity, then you two can fall madly in love and live happily ever without needing to work another day in your life. Why didn't I go to UCLA?! Just kidding, good luck with your selection.</p>