Hello!
I’m a senior, currently living in NY. And I’m thinking about moving to California.
So I am probably applying to the UCs and other private colleges in California as well.
My dream is to be a pediatric surgeon. I love being with children and helping people. I volunteered a lot in hospitals, schools, and worked at day camps as well. I am involved in several extracurricular activities, and I have a GPA of 3.7
I heard that I don’t necessarily have to major in science (like bio, physics, chem, etc) to go to med school.
But would it be better to major in a science-related major?
If not, what majors do you think will “fit” me?
Also, could you please recommend good colleges in California for me?
Lastly, do out-of-state residents have less chance in getting scholarships? A few colleges here in NY offered a full scholarship, but I really want to go to California.
I would really appreciate any additional advice!! I am really nervous about this, and I need lots of help!!!
Thank you so much!!
UCs rarely give scholarships, especially to OOS students. They mainly give need based aid to instate students. And if you are OOS you will be charged 23,000 per year extra tuition and there is no aid given for that at all. So yo might get some need aid if you qualify, but you are looking at minimum 35 up to 55k per year. Look at private colleges, but no one can suggest without knowing your test scores.
You might benefit by reading the pre-med forum here, lots of tips and discussion of majors. You truly can pick anything. Science of you think it helps, something you would like if you don’t make to med school would be good. Sociology?
If you are OOS for the California publics (UC’s), you will be paying around $55K/year to attend. Establishing residency as a student is impossible unless you are an independent or your parents move here with you.
UC’s have their own unique way to calculate your GPA. You can only use AP/IB courses for the extra honors points in the calculation: http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Suggest you look to private schools in California, since publics will give little to no financial aid and merit scholarships are rare. Take a look at University of San Diego, Chapman, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Occidental. Santa Clara.
Looking for funding as an OOS student is exactly what @BrownParent and @Gumbymom have noted.
Moving to California as a premed student will be really expensive unless you plan on applying to the California Privates. As a possible med student, you need to consider the costs of med school. Taking on $200K for 4 years is just unreasonable.
The UC’s and the CSU’s are public universities supported by California taxpayers. Funding goes to the children of Californians. OOS pay full fees.
These colleges may be more successful than average in furthering the goals of their premed students: “The Experts’ Choice: Colleges With Great Pre-med Programs.” The list is national, but does include some California schools. By all means, do not view the list as being complete or definitive.