<p>I've been hearing that some of the UCs are good in biology/biochemistry.
For undergraduates, undergraduate research, getting into good graduate school, etc.
What are your opinions on this?
Which of the UCs are strongest in biology or biochemistry departments?</p>
<p>UCSD, UC Davis, UC Berkeley are all very strong in bio/biochem. UCSD is located in the center of San Diego's biotech corridor, opening some great internships and research opportunities.</p>
<p>large state schools like the UC system often have strong programs in the sciences. The bigger question is whether you are the right kind of student for these schools. </p>
<p>For example absolute leading edge research is conducted at these schools and it would look great on a resume but I guarantee you that the profs are not going to invite you to pitch in. You have to work to find the right people and convince them you can help. As another example, reccomendations are vital for grad school but state schools tend to have large classes and the prof isn't going to be inviting you over for dinner. You want to get to know some, better go to office hours.</p>
<p>If you are willing to put in the effort and are reasonably outgoing you can get a topnotch education. If you are more passive or shy or something, probably not a good fit.</p>
<p>EXCELLENT advice, Mikemac. Really hits the nail on the head. I feel like I should keep a copy of your post because it so succinctly summarizes such an important point.</p>
<p>Um...don't you have to take initiative wherever you go?</p>
<p>There's a difference between taking initiative in a class of 15 and taking iniative in a class of 400. Neither is necessarily better, but each requires a different level of determination and moxy.</p>
<p>For undergrad research opportunities, I would explore some of the LAC's.</p>
<p>I go to UCI and if you want to do research, there are a lot of undergrad opportunities here, especially for bio. They encourage it in fact.</p>
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Amused writes "Um...don't you have to take initiative wherever you go?"
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<p>Sure you do but there are big differences in school environments. Reputation of a program or college is important, but it is perhaps more important to make sure the school is a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Advising, to take one area, is very helpful to students navigating their way thru the college maze -- selecting classes, preparing for a career or grad school, etc. See <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=13881%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=13881</a> on the Parents Forum for examples of what advising can be like at some top schools. Advising comes automatically at these schools, but not at most large publics.</p>
<p>My point in the my earlier post is this kind of advice is available at the publics but only if you make the effort.</p>
<p>I think the better big schools have improved markedly in the emphasis on ug research opportunities in the last 5 years. Most have cutback grad enrollment due to lack of demand and jobs for PhD's and the ug is now more important.</p>
<p>I second yackityack's comments on UCI. Although the UC schools are large, those students who get into one of our over 300 bio labs have a great opportunity to do some real hands-on stuff. A decent number of undergrads actually get published in some pretty good journals, and this really puts them ahead of the pack when they are applying for graduate and medical school. Although some professors don't want to work with undergrads at all, they are in the minority. Many professors like working with undergrads and helping them do meaningful research and write a senior thesis. These professors will have great things to say about you in a letter of rec. Of course, an applicant to grad/med school needs more than one letter of rec, so it's on the student to develop relationships with other profs by going to office hours and meeting them after class and stuff. Although the core courses are big (350 students), the upper division classes can number anywhere from 20-100, which will allow you to get to know the profs better.</p>
<p>I hear UG students at UCB can do research at UCB or UCSF.</p>
<p>you tell 'em Erkki!</p>
<p>heh...I've been outed.</p>