<p>Ah, I understand. I am definitely a big believer that feeling comfortable at and pleased with a school should be a huge factor in your decision; it’s a shame that you don’t like any of your middle choices though, because they all sound like a perfect solution to your problem.</p>
<p>@Eiffel, thanks so much… You seem to know a lot about UC system, so can you answer the question that nobody was able to answer? I was wondering if like a 3.6-7 GPA at UCSD will be better than a 3.9-4.0 GPA at UCM… I heard that 3.9-4.0 is much better than 3.6… Could you please confirm?</p>
<p>Also, I was wondering if UC system still accepts winter quarter transfer applications… The reason I ask is because I am considering Davis as my third choice, in case I can’t make the decision… I don’t know why I didn’t apply to Davis last fall, because now I feel like Davis is a much better choice than SD… At least for me…</p>
<p>No problem! 
When it comes to med school admissions, I’m fairly certain that a 3.9 - 4.0 at UCM will be better than a 3.6 at UCSD. As far as I know, med schools barely even consider what you school you went to for undergrad. A high GPA, high MCATS, and research experience will be what get you into med school, not the name of your undergrad institution. </p>
<p>Of course, more students from prestigious undergrad schools get into top med schools, but it’s not because of the school they attended; it’s merely because people who tend to go to top schools are usually already brighter and more hard-working on average than those who attend low-tier schools. Obviously, though, there are plenty of people attending less prestigious colleges that are just as intelligent and driven as their Ivy League peers. It’s the individual that matters and what he/she accomplishes at whatever school they go to. </p>
<p>However, there are still a few valid concerns to address in terms of choosing UCM over UCSD. Firstly, is UCM accredited yet? I’ve heard mixed things about that…If it’s not accredited yet, I’d be wary of going there. I’d make absolutely sure that it’s accredited before attending. </p>
<p>Secondly, you have to be extremely confident in your ability to get an amazing score on the MCAT if you’re going to choose UCM. Because if you don’t get a great score on the MCAT and end up not even getting into med school, your 3.9 - 4.0 GPA at UCM will pretty much mean nothing to other employers. A degree from UCSD in general, especially with a 3.6 GPA, will be much more appealing to prospective employers in other fields where the name of the school does matter more than a high GPA.</p>
<p>As for the UC system accepting winter quarter transfers, I’m not really sure. I’ve never heard of anyone applying to winter quarter, but I’m sure someone else on this forum could help answer that question. Davis does sound like a great middle option for you to consider, but keep in mind that Davis too is known for its great science departments, so the classes may be just as competitive as UCSD.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you! :D</p>
<p>@Eiffel, thanks again… I really appreciate it. I am actually going for MBA/MPA dual degree program. So, I will be taking the GMAT instead. I graduated high school last year, and I have taken mock tests of the GMAT. I was able to score in the range of 680-690. So, I will continue to study hard and bring up my score 50 points or so in next 2 years. </p>
<p>Can anybody answer if UC system accepts winter quarter transfer applications? I am considering applying to Davis or Santa Cruz…</p>
<p>Ah, sorry, for some reason, I thought you were going for med school! Mea culpa. 
But yeah, I’m pretty sure that the same thing holds true for business schools: high GPA/high GMAT/work or research experience are much more important than the name of the undergrad school. And if you’re getting 680 - 690 on your mock tests, you’re off to an amazing start! 620 is usually the cut-off for top business schools, so you should have no problem at all. Good luck! ^_^</p>
<p>UCSD has a much higher ranking academically then UC Merced. SD is ranked in the 20’s, Merced, who knows. Last time I drove thru it had 2 buildings surround by ag. fields, depressing.</p>
<p>@popeyoung5, thanks for your input, but I kinda like the small school environment… It’s relaxing and you feel more comfortable… Don’t you? I guess it’s just me… I also don’t want any distractions… I used to live in a neighborhood and hung out with friends that pretty much partied everyday. I don’t want to repeat that… LOL</p>
<p>Not sure, and it might depend on the campus. You should call the admissions offices at Davis and Santa Cruz to ask that question. Take you all of two minutes.</p>
<p>I was looking into applying to transfer for winter quarter @ Davis last year and they cancelled it - so I’m assuming no…especially with the additional budget cuts that have been going on… </p>
<p>Maybe wait it out and reapply, if UCLA is your top choice, and you’re thinking about staying for half a year - why not just wait to reapply and try again.</p>