<p>I can't seem to be able to decide between Northwestern University, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Davis. I want to do pre-med but I'm also considering doing a PhD in Biochemistry, which will be my major. I want to leave that option open and all the schools seem to have a good Biochem program. But, UCLA's Biochem major is in the physical science department, and requires me to take the highest level calculus and chemistry courses (instead of the life science level ones the other two require). Calculus, while I was able to do okay in high school, is not my strong point, and I'm afraid this could hurt doing pre-med. But what complicates this is that after visiting UCD, UCSD and UCLA (I will visit Northwestern later), I've found that I really feel at home and like UCLA and not as much UCSD and UCD. Is it worth going to UCLA with a harder program, or should I go to UCSD or UCD and probably get a higher gpa? Or should I go to NU which will have even smarter people, but an easier major a very good medical school acceptance rate?</p>
<p>Basically I'm trying to balance actually liking the school, the ability to get a good GPA (toughness of courses/how competitive and smart the other students are), having a back up (biochemistry), and the prestige of the school.</p>
<p>Also, how well do you think I can compete in college pre-med with a 2160 SAT, A's in AP Biology and AP Calculus AB, and not having taken AP Chemistry. I'm not one that coasts along with just smarts, I work very hard to do well in science and math. I am better at humanities, but I'm afraid that if I major in something like English and am unable to get into medical school, I'll have no back up.</p>
<p>It's quite obvious that you should go to the school you like (UCLA), as not only will you get your money's worth, but you will be happier and happiness => higher grades (usually).</p>
<p>Considering the 2160 SAT, As in Calculus and Bio, you should have few problems adjusting to coursework at UCLA. Pre-med is tough everywhere, especially at UCSD (don't underestimate the competition, it really is tough - from yours truly). In fact, going to UCLA will actually help you instead of UCSD/UCD, since you will have brand-name recognition for jobs in case pre-med falls through.</p>
<p>Personally, I believe private schools are a waste of money since they cover the same curricula as publics, but if you need the small-environment hand-holding at NU, then by all means go for it.</p>
<p>How tough? Although I'd like to tell myself to shoot for an A, realistically I'd want a B (hopefully that won't turn into realistically shooting for a C). What top percentage of the class do you have to be in to get that? Also, anything on grade deflation/inflation for these schools?</p>
<p>ok, i haven't taken any math at UCLA yet. but from my friends who have, they have mostly gotten A's in 31A/B and some of them have gotten B's. It really depends on how much you practice. If you do like hundreds of PP then you will not get a C. also, when you hear people saying that the average was like 50% for the class, remember that there is a really nice curve at the end.</p>
<p>I have a very similar dilemma. I'm trying to decide between Cal, UCLA, UCSD w/ Regents, and NU. To me, NU's advisors were good but not mind-boggling. Also, their lack of a letter writing pre-medical committee is a slight downside. I'm 90% sure that I want to head down the pre-med track but I'm scared Sh**less about not getting the grades that I need. I got a 2270 SAT, and 800 in Bio, 770 in Chem but I have no clue how that will match up to college courses. In high school, I spent hours just studying everyday and I'd not have to do as much of that. I'm heavily leaning towards SD because it seems that there will be a lot of opportunities to get good grades and have a little bit of free time cuz i hear about fierce competition at Cal. I dont know about you but money plays a role in my decision, and as much as I like NU, its really, really expensive. </p>
<p>bluedevilmike, bruinboy, and chessdude2, you guys seem really knowledgeable. Do you guys have any advice?</p>
<p>Don't go to SD because you think it'll be easier than the other UC's, because some of my HS friends are at SD and they have it just as tough as I do in LA. Also, none of the UC's have a premed committee letter. If money is really a major factor, then rule out NU because the UC's give you a great education at a pretty cheap price (comparatively). also, depending on how much of a factor money will be, SD may be a good fit because you have regeants. </p>
<p>make sure to visit all the campuses, and please don't make your decision on where you will get the highest grades cause Cal, LA, and SD will all be tough but not impossible schools.</p>
<p>Basically, UCSD is the preferred overflow for students who didn't get into Berkeley or LA due simply to lack of space at those schools. There are also a lot of people who got into Cal/LA and came here by choice...you can imagine the caliber of the competition already. </p>
<p>I did come from a reasonably competitive high school (rank 9/10), but there are so many Lynbrook, Monta Vista, Mission San Jose High kids here at UCSD...</p>
<p>Still, if you really like UCSD (for other reasons like environment, weather), then you're welcome to come here - but don't come for the ease, because it's not here.</p>
<p>I believe that you previously mentioned your preference for UCLA, and not as much preference for UCSD. I believe your decision is pretty straightforward from here.</p>
<p>As the significant other of someone going to med school (fingers crossed) next year, I can offer some vicarious advice.</p>
<p>Go where you'll be happy. GPA and the MCAT are the most important factors. Seriously, go where you'll be happy. Do not incur $20-$40K in debt a year for a place where you'll be miserable. You will not have any more significant odds of getting into med school from any of the four schools you have listed. All are good schools, and all offer you what you need.</p>
<p>If it helps any, my girlfriend enjoyed her time at UCLA, my buddy who was pre-med at Northwestern suggested that he was well-prepared for the MCAT (got a 33), and I know a couple people who went to med school from UCSD and UCD (respectively). </p>
<p>Again, go where you'll grow the most as a student, but keep in mind that career goals can and do often change. You don't want to be "stuck" somewhere just because you thought you'd go into something that you later back out on.</p>