<p>I'm debating between doing pre-med at UNC Chapel Hill and doing it at UC Berkeley. I know Berkeley is a better school, but I think I would have a better college experience at UNC. I live in California and I kind of want something completely new. The thing that is keeping me from going to UNC is Berkeley's name. Would doing pre-med at Berkeley give me a better chance of getting into med school? Also, what is the average gpa of pre-med students at Berkeley? For jobs in the future would being a Berkeley graduate be more beneficial than being a UNC graduate? I know thinking about the name is shallow, but unfortunately some people put a lot of emphasis on name. Another thing is that UNC is not as known and recognized nationally and internationally as Berkeley is. I would appreciate any input!! Thanks!!</p>
<p>Oh and ignore the instate cost vs. out of state cost. Pretend that money isn't an issue.</p>
<p>I think UNC is probably a little eclipsed in California, but it is largely a distance thing. UNC is not considered stunningly inferior, it’s a great school too. As I said you suffer from proximity, people in NC probably are much more familiar with and impressed by UNCH. Go to the one you feel like you are going to fit better at. California schools as a whole are known for being a little rougher for pre-med, but I wouldn’t choose based on that. Choose based on fit.</p>
<p>I would go with the money if one is OOS and one is IS fees. If you have some amazing award that allows them to cost the same I would go to the one where you think you can shine, the one that will provide an environment that leads to you being your best version of yourself.</p>
<p>Don’t underestimate the name recognition of UNC…though it won’t make any difference on med school admissions…they’re both top publics with great reputations and send many students to med schools each year. UNC is a lot smaller and while obviously competitive, its students have a much more cooperative nature in general…it’s a very laid back place overall. Don’t interpret that to mean it’s easy… just not cut throat in any way…my other thought is that there are far less “gunners” at UNC than at Berkeley…</p>
<p>Carolina is a no-brainer for premed over Cal, just for the “easier” grading structure – check out the mean stats. As OOS, you would be in the top quartile. UNC doesn’t have an Eng students (for whom Chem and physics come naturally in their sleep), and has a lot fewer gunners.</p>
<p>OTOH, if you don’t make it thru the premed gauntlet – and most do not – if you wish to work in California, your UC degree will help a lot more on the west coast.</p>
<p>You can find average gpa on Cal’s Career web site. The numbers are just average, bcos professional schools don’t much care about perceived competition. Sure, a 3.6 from Cal beats a 3.6 from Cal State East Bay every time, but won’t be much of a factor against a 3.6 from Carolina.</p>
<p>Bear in mind that UCB is not necessarily a great pre-med choice for undergrad. They are well known for their harsh grading and minimal grading inflation.</p>