So i really really need help on this. Here are the facts
My major is Human Biology ( pre-med) in both UCSC and UCSD
I live in India currently, and will move to the US in sep.
I know academically UCSD>UCSC, but UCSC is giving me a $30,000 dean’s scholarship.
Now i’m a US Resident ( green card holder), and so my fam will move w me to cali.
I just want your opinion on what to do… I’m so confused.
Is Santa Cruz as a town much cheaper than SD?
I’m worried if i pick UCSC, i wont get enough research and internship opportunities, and not get into a very good med school ( Stanford, UCLA, UCSF??)
Then there is the nice $30k relief that UCSC is giving.
I really dont know what to do, since decision date is in 5 days.
Santa Cruz is much smaller than San Diego. I would not say it is less expensive. Plenty of UCSC kids get into medical school. I wouldn’t worry about that. I’d follow the money.
Santa Cruz has a very tight, expensive home rental market.
San Diego has more in the way of outlying suburbs, which can lower cost but will require a lot of driving.
I would certainly factor that into your overhead as your family will be moving also.
Check out the area rental prices in each city through Craigslist.com.
Both schools will give you what you want.
Since medical school entrance values GPA, you’ll potentially have less competition than at UCSD, which is a well-know pre-med feeder school
The other thing that you’ll want to consider is the pre-med advising at both schools. Check to see the depth of their offerings, as well as how active they seem.
