Not sure where to transfer due to HUGE secret personal issue

Transfer Students
1

<p>It's a long read, but I would appreciate it if you take the time to help.
it's a combination of self-therapy and transferring so bare with me haha.
I am trying to determine where I want to transfer for next year. However, I have a huge issue that makes it difficult for me to choose.
Here's some basic info:
GPA: 3.9
Major: Biology/biochemistry
I am in a couple clubs on campus, work as a tutor in a wide range of subjects, and some other extra-curriculars I can't mention (no one can know who i am)
I hope to pursue medical school. </p>

<p>Now the personal issue is that I am a closeted homosexual in an Iranian/Persian muslim community. Most of the people I know within this community go to UC Davis or UC Berkeley and their family. I am pretty sure I can get a TAG for UC Davis, but I am scared to go to these schools because being around these people that I've known for years makes me extremely depressed. I am not looking to lead an active homosexual lifestyle, but I want to be in a place where I can stay mentally healthy. Being surrounded by members of my community causes me to obtain feelings of worthlessness due to a variety of reasons, and this ultimately affects my studies. I go to a community college and have tried my best to distant myself from the community but the moment I step foot in either of those UC's I will be asked to join them when they go out and it'd be rude to refuse every time (in my culture, at least). I get asked now, and we go to different schools, so i can only imagine how much more pressure there will be when I am in the same school. I do have a past friendship with them, so it's not like I'm a complete stranger. </p>

<p>It is time for me to make a decision regarding my futurer. I am sick of having to play this game but I must save face for my family's sake. I have no choice there. I have accepted my homosexuality and I am now comfortable in my own skin when I am not around people that I know from my childhood (I think I just get overcome with feelings of shame). I just need to surround myself with a new group of people that I do not have a past or current history/friendship with. I am not looking to come out of the closet, but I am considering the option to start a somewhat new life.</p>

<p>Any ideas on what I should do? (I want to stay in California)
Transfer to UC Davis/Berkeley and learn to cope?
Transfer to a different university in California? If so, what are good options for a pre-med student?</p>

<p>I'm just so scared. I am confident in my intellectual capabilities but I am hindered by my cultural upbringing and community.</p>

<p>Thank you for the help!</p>

2

<p>Why don’t you just apply to all the other UCs and attend one of them. All will be fine for premed, what will matter more than the school is your gpa, MCAT and other activities.</p>

<p>BTW, for questions about premed, you should ask on the Premed Topics forum as you will find much more experienced and knowledgeable members there.</p>

3

<p>UCSD has great science programs and the student body appears to be open and accepting.</p>

4

<p>Regardless of where you end up, learn to love yourself. You say you’ve come to terms with your homosexuality, but you still feel shame and the need to save face for your family. It is a difficult process, but unless you’re honest with who you are to the people you love, they can never love the real you. I hope you find the strength to be honest and that you find everything you’re looking for. Best of luck!</p>