I am a prospective freshmen student trying to decide between UC Davis and UCSB! I am a Biopsychology major at UCSB and a Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major at UC Davis. I also want to go into a Pre-Med field. I know I will receive a great education from either school, so that really isn’t an issue. Each school gave off an amazing, but different, vibe. I LOVED UC Davis’s campus, but I love the area around UCSB (the beach). UCSB has an amazing social life too! I heard UC Davis has somewhat of a social life so if anyone could elaborate on that, that would help a lot! UCSB is also an hour away from home (which I love) where Davis is 6 hours away (which could be really good for me)! Anything you guys have to add will hopefully help me out!
Davis and pretty much any UC are terrible for pre med although I noticed that UCSB is by far the best for pre med out of them. Accessible professors, great bio programs but not so much that your grades will be crushed (ie Berkeley). You better stay away from premed at Davis, UCSD, LA, and Berkeley. They’re nasty and cut throat. UCSB is a more nurturing environment for pre meds. That being said, it does NOT mean you will coast through at UCSB. It’s still very challenging and still not the best for premed. But out of the UC’s, it’s definitely your best bet at med school. Good luck!
Also, UCSB is in Santa Barbara! Kids would kill for that location! What are you going to do at Davis? Tip cows? JK I love the rural environment there as well but it’s got nothing on SB’s beach.
Is there a big difference between the costs at UC Davis or UCSB? If you’re doing pre-med (especially at a UC), social life is going to be flushed down the drain. I think you should go to UC Davis.
@MegaMetalHead that’s my dilemma right there hahaha I wish the rural area was right next to the beach!
@TheDidactic his social life will be flushed at either place but SB has better scenery and better prepares kids for med school. Personally I think it’s a no brainer.