Molecular Biology/Genetics major undergraduate in California?

Hi, I am a junior in high school,class of 2017, and I am interested in majoring in molecular biology/ genetics for my undergraduate. I’m struggling on what college would be the best for me. I live in San Diego already, so I would like to get out of San Diego for college (no UCSD.) I looked at Loyola Marymount University and I loved it and the location! Los Angeles is great for having fun and doing things outside of college. (it’s where my favorite band grew up, The Doors). I am going to visit UCLA soon and I am very interested. I am also thinking about Cal Poly SLO, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis. Thoughts? My cumulative GPA is 4.25 so far. Thank you very much!

First of all apply to all colleges of interest since you have no idea where you will be accepted next year. Definitely visit as many campuses as possible, but apply broadly since UC/CSU admission continue to get more competitive each year. Your GPA looks competitive, but test scores, essays and EC’s will all factor into admission decisions.

Thanks for the advice! Do you know what other schools have a good molecular biology program?

In California: UCI, USC, Pomona College. I know you said no UCSD, but they are in the top ten of best Molecular Biology programs.