Hi! I’m currently a senior in high school and I’m also an international student. I got accepted into UC San Diego (Human Biology, John Muir College) and also got an offer from Imperial College London (Biotechnology). I’m planning to pursue a career in biotechnology, but I don’t entirely mind studying general biology as an undergraduate.
I’m currently torn between these 2 schools to attend. Here are my thoughts from my own research and based on what I’ve heard:
UC San Diego
- It’s located in California. I hear the weather is great, walking distance from the beach. I love the West Coast, I feel very comfortable and familiar with the culture and environment.
- Academically, it’s very strong and highly ranked in the field of Biology (according to multiple sources like US News, The Guardian, etc, it is more highly ranked than Imperial College London and even UCLA, as well as some of the Ivies).
- I heard the stereotype that UCSD is regarded as “UC Socially Dead”. This is my biggest concern about UCSD, because although academics are extremely important to me, I’m really looking for a fun college experience with a good social life. I’m not a crazy party-hard type of girl, but I definitely would want to go to college parties like a typical college student.
- It is a public school. Large class sizes, lack of attention from professors.
- I hear the dorms are not the best.
Imperial College London
- Located in central London, a lot of things going on, things to do.
- More social life than UCSD?
- It has the specific major I’m looking to pursue (Biotechnology).
- Housing looks way nicer.
- I have never been to London before, so I’m really unsure on what to expect. I hear it rains quite often, and I do not like rain at all.
- I’m currently doing the IB Diploma. My offer was to achieve a 39/45 on the IB with a 6 and 7 on Higher Level Biology and Chemistry (in any order). I’m concerned whether or not I will be able to achieve this, it just seems a little too risky. I was predicted a 44/45 with a 7 in Bio HL and 6 in Chem HL but I cannot guarantee I will be able to maintain this.
- Living costs in London would be very expensive.
My priorities lie mostly on academics and social life.
Please help me decide by sharing your experiences or what you know about these schools and recommend where I should attend. I’m extremely grateful to be given the option to choose between these 2 amazing schools. Thank you so much!
