UC Berkeley vs. Cal Poly SLO full ride HELP

State Forums
1

So I thiiink I want to do the premed track and am choosing between SLO and UCB.
Basically I have a full ride to SLO with the William Frost Scholarship which is given to the top 10 applicants (I think 10, maybe less or more)) in math/science. I plan on majoring in biochem though that’s subject to possiblyyyy change. With the Frost scholarship, I am also guaranteed research as an undergraduate as early as I want with all these other benefits. I’m just very concerned about the lack of prestige as compared to Berkeley and not being able to get into med school.

I do love UC Berkeley too, it’s just I fear the competition and I also got admitted to the College of Chemistry with my major as chemical biology but it’s scaring me that the average GPA is like a 2.6 there! Also, I’m scared about not being able to get research opportunities and feeling lonely since it’s less intimate.

I’m terrified and don’t know what to pick! HELP.
I’m also instate so it would cost 30K at Berkeley which I think we can afford, but it would be tough.

2

Terrified … really? Both are excellent schools. Simply letting a coin-toss decide would still yield a great result. You have nothing to be terrified of.

I’d suggest you sit down with your parents and discuss their ability/interest in paying $120k for 4 years at UCB. If it would be a struggle for them or you’d need to carry a significant debt - head to SLO.

3

Medical school admission is based more on GPA and MCAT score than your undergraduate school name.

Also, talk with your parents about whether the $120,000 is available for medical school costs if you choose CPSLO.

4

I graduated from Berkeley. The pre-med kids are insanely focused and high achieving. If you trust yourself to be a dedicated student who prioritizes studying above all other things, you will be OK.

5

It’s not all about prestige! Go to Cal Poly and you’ll be getting a more practical education which employers like more than the school you attend. :smiley: