<p>I am a pre-med biology major and I am transferring to either UC Merced or CSU long beach. I got accepted into both schools but I am having a difficult time deciding where to go.</p>
<p>Big difference is environment. Long Beach is a dynamic, big school in an established urban area (large commuter population). Merced is a smaller upstart in a rural area (more kids live on-campus). Long Beach will likely be cheaper (especially if you can live at home and commute), but I believe the CSUs it’s tougher to get classes - which can test your patience.</p>
<p>Any chance you can visit either or both?</p>
<p>Well I actually live in merced currently and I have been here for two years. I’m sick of living in this town because I’m orinally for chicago. I just want to know which school will give me a better education as well as finishing my undergrad faster.</p>
<p>You can get a fine education at either. It might be easier to get your classes at Merced, and certainly you will have a smaller class size and get to know your professors better at Merced.</p>
<p>The 4 year graduation rate at Long beach is 12%. Granted, this may partly be because this is a commuter campus and people may be going to school part-time while working. I don’t know the 4 year graduate rate for Merced.</p>
<p>Is there no other school you could transfer to?
CSU -LB may not serve you well as a premed since you’d have trouble getting all the classes you need and especially detailed recommendation letters. Also, try to see what their MCAT is.
However, for med schools, if you have all the prerequisites (and be careful, they’ve just changed) with a high GPA, and a high MCAT score, your school doesn’t matter.
But if you want to go to another part of the State than Merced, then you should look for another school than UC Merced…</p>
<p>Is this for next fall? If so, then why not apply to more schools? </p>
<p>Are you going to do a Glide Year and apply to med school after senior year?</p>
<p>Personally, I think going from a CC to a CSU will be less than impressive for med schools.</p>
<p>I am transferring in spring so my school selection is very limited.</p>
<p>If UC Merced isn’t to your liking and since CSU LB isn’t ideal for premed, apply quickly to other schools, or considering transferring for Fall 2014.
Check out other schools with which CA has an exchange with WUE, for example.</p>
<p>I am transferring in spring so my school selection is very limited.</p>
<p>I didn’t think those schools accepted spring transfers.</p>
<p>If you’re depending on FA to pay for college, and you qualify, then a UC will give better aid. </p>
<p>A WUE school wont work if the student needs FA. He won’t be able to use his Cal Grant there, and the WUE school will expect him to pay all costs (minus any fed aid he might qualify for).</p>
<p>I think transferring next fall would give more UC options. Anyway, if you’re determined to transfer this Spring, then Merced would likely be best. A UC looks better on med school apps.</p>
<p>I’d hang in Merced
- UC cred for Med School Aps
- You have a better opportunity to get to know faculty and gain references, lab experience, etc.
- You are in and out in 2 years, sounds like that’s an issue @ LB
- As you already know, it will be a cheaper place to live, more than offseting the difference in tuition.</p>