<p>Hi all, I am incredibly torn these days with a critical decision I need to make by May 1st, as the same for many others here. For my situation I am seeking advise and answers more specifically from those who are currently pursuing pre-med at UCSC, and even more so, from those who have already moved on to medical school after UCSC. Nonetheless, any comments would be appreciated. I currently after visiting both schools for their Spring Insight/Spotlights, am teeter tottering between UCSC and UC Santa Barbara. In short, my brain screams UCSB, but my heart seemed to have developed an instant attachment to both the magically forest campus and the hippie town down below. Ultimately I've seemed to settle on that fact that I WANT to go to UCSC, but only if I feel comfortable with answers to the following questions that have lingered in my head. So without further ado, here are the aspects of concerns:</p>
<p>1) Is graduating in 4 years as a pre-med practically achievable at UCSC? My tour guide gave me the hint that its easy to slip into 5 years. This is absolutely a priority factor for me. (btw, I'm going into the Neuroscience major) </p>
<p>2) How do medical schools view UCSC, especially that of UCSF? How about abroad ?</p>
<p>3) Are there sufficient internship opportunities at hospitals/ medical research facilities in the local region? How well does the school help students obtain the opportunities they need? Is there too much competition from students from Stanford/Santa Clara/Berkeley?</p>
<p>4) Research opportunities? Ultimately does UCSC allow an aspiring student to reach their maximal potential, or does it feel like there are too many restraints? I do plan on being just as much of as a researcher/scientist as a doctor.</p>
<p>These concerns I know are all satisfied at UCSB, as after all their 6 hour open house threw more that just the kitchen sink at house. I don't know why Santa Cruz calls their 2 hour event an open house even though its just a presentation + tour, as there is definitely gaps not filled. Nevertheless, I know that I can thrive at UCSC based upon what I've seen; I love everything about it. The residential college system, the forest laid back environment, the students, the college town. Possibly the most beautiful area I've ever been. I just need some reassurance :)</p>
<p>(just as a side note, there's nothing wrong with UCSB. Matter fact, I love that school too, just UCSC has seemed to take on the "dream" status. Maybe its my just inner counter-culture free spirit )</p>
<p>Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this, and go banana slugs regardless!</p>