<p>I'm also considering USC and UCSB. Important factors are their variety of science courses (non-premed), research opportunities/ internships, study abroad programs, and amount of people who get into prestigious biology grad programs after they graduate. Thanks :)</p>
<p>between USC and UCI, it might depend which field of biology you want to go into. I think one of them is more known for cell development and the other is molecular biology. UCI is in a nicer area than USC (did anyone hear about that hit and run right next to the campus last week?). USC is still a great school and everyone I know who goes there loves it. On the other hand, UCI is prestigious in the field of biology, especially neuroscience.</p>
<p>My focus is on environmental science, botany, and marine biology ( but a school with attention on cell development would also be ok).</p>
<p>i know that ucsb has a fantastic marine biology program, but both uci and usc have excellent bio programs as well. both are good for pre-med too.</p>
<p>Marine bio-UCSB, right on the ocean, great wetlands,etc hands down</p>
<p>The OP didnt ask about marine bio. Marine bio is one of the least popular majors in the field of biology, so I didn’t assume thats what the OP was talking about.</p>
<p>^
My focus is on environmental science, botany, and marine biology.</p>
<p>Honestly, flying fish, I would recommend UCI. The science program is outstanding. There is a LOT of competition (a lot of asians), which makes the program so good. also less money and a great feeder school to good bio grad schools.</p>
<p>i think the overall bio program is better at uci but its so competitive it might be harder to maintain a better grade because premed students set the curve, whereas in ucsb it might be a bit easier. i might not know what im talking about but yeah thats what i would i think</p>