Help me pick between these UC's?

No, go to Berkeley since that’s where you see yourself and got into.
Odds are really low you’ll be a doctor anyway - not you personally, but 80% freshmen will give up or be weeded out, and among those who remain only half, at best, will get into any med school. (Odds are lower in California).
So, you should attend the college you prefer if you really have a preference. A UC Berkeley degree will serve you well, just make sure to volunteer, participate in clubs and internships.

@emli8100, UCSD was (and is) a butt-kicker. It has tripled in size since I attended in the '80s. I was as well prepared for med school as it is possible to be. (Imagine upper-division science major courses at turbo speed and that gets close to the first two years of med school.) Back in the day, I was offered early admission to UCSD School of Medicine but was fortunate to get in to UCSF as well. That’s where I went. They’re both great. While it is true that most pre-meds wash out, the key is to focus on the goal and do what is needed (with integrity) to get there. The focused and diligent students are the ones who get in.

Re your other comment, I don’t think UCB can be described as relaxed in any way. On another thread, a member posted a link to an article showing the lowest-grading departments at Berkeley. Want to guess? Biology. Of your several outstanding choices, choose the one that makes you happy to be there. That way you will reach your highest potential. Don’t go by other people’s ideas about reputation. Four years is a long time. Best of luck.

Re: UCSB

Engineering is likely very different from pre-med in this respect, at any school where engineering majors have direct admission (i.e. do not have to compete by GPA to get into their majors).

@PadreDeTres Would you recommend UCSD for pre-med hopefuls

@MYOS1634 What do those kids end up doing after the pre-med track doesn’t work out for them?

Well, if you mean the half who didn’t get into a’y med school, that’s why biology is one of the worst majors in terms of employment. English majors actually do better in terms of finding a job… Some of them take a glide year, try again, focusing on DO schools alongside med schools. Some get a Master’s. Some look for a job that requires general skills. If they have EMT or CNA experience they can try to become PA’s.
If you mean from all the freshmen who don’t make it, they choose another major and go to the career center.
A key element it to think you’re running a marathon. Don’t take all three from calculus, biology, and chemistry your first semester. Check out the sequence, see if you can start biology or chemistry in the spring.

@emli8100, I really enjoyed UCSD. That was a long time ago. It is a great school for students who have a strong work ethic, plenty of intellectual horsepower, and a desire to go deep into the material. UCSD will give you a great education, and not just in the sciences. I learned fluent Spanish there and minored in Literature.

The determining factor in your success as a pre-med is not the school you choose. It is your ability to stay focused on the goal and excel in your studies.

UPDATE: Thank you all for your insight and advice. I really appreciate it. I visited both SB and Berkeley. Bruin Day is this coming Saturday.

SB seemed like a chill, happy, sunny place. Smaller campus than Berkeley, so less walking and less hills are nice. Regents scholars seem to get a lot of benefits–more interaction with faculty, priority registration and housing. Seems like professors even treat Regents scholars more seriously and with more respect.

Berkeley was also okay, pretty campus. Lots more walking. I did an overnight stay program, and people seemed to be welcoming and friendly (although I know you can’t compare this to what it’s gonna be like when school actually starts). It seems like there’s more opportunities here than in SB–Berkeley has UCSF nearby and it’s known for its research.

Parents also seem to be leaning more towards Berkeley, but of course that’s something I’m going to have to work with and make the best decision for me.

Basically, even after visiting, I’m still stuck. There are both pros and cons to Berkeley and SB. It seems like I’d have an easier time academically and with housing and registration. But I’m not that into partying and stuff, and I’m still hung up on “prestige” :frowning:

At the same time, I don’t want to die at Berkeley with all the competition between pre-med kids and the difficulties of the MCB major/grade deflation. I’m not super smart (not saying this bc I want pity or validation, just being honest with myself) when it comes to competing with other smart people.

I’m sorry LOL I feel like I’m just whining about the same stuff over and over