UCB vs. UCSD

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
21

<p>He does have a point though. grad/med/law/business schools do take into account the differences between colleges and don't just blindly look at your GPA (though he drastically overstates the difference, it's probably closer to a .2 or .3 advantage). I'm sure all of you would agree that 3.5 from SF State isn't the same as a 3.5 from Caltech, and you can be very sure that med schools will know that too.</p>

<p>However I disagree with his assertion that people who choose UCSD over Cal "belong at UCSD". There are differences between the programs at the two schools, and UCSD is notable for having very strong biological sciences and a completely different undergrad structure (the 6 college system). Two of my friends who were accepted by Cal are opting for UCSD because they prefer the programs there, even though both could definitely handle Berkeley.</p>

22

<p>Haha apparently the napoleonic complexes of UCSD students are alive and well. Again, this is a no brainer. Think nationally, internationally not just in terms of the sheltered environment of La Jolla.</p>

23

<p>Yes I am very unlucky, especially with my full ride to UCLA. Oh make that 2 full rides, both of which were chosen over UCSD's full rides. Let me know when you learn how to make cogent arguments, or when you actually attend college.</p>

24

<p>ok so should i choose ucb ucla or ucsd for bioengineering? i want a good shot for grad school - things im considering
1)gpa
2)school prestige or rank
3)social scene
4)internships
5)and anything u guys can think of</p>

25

<p>I chose ucsd because I liked it better there, and ucsd seems to have really good things going on with neuroscience. I know cal's academics are top ranking, but I just couldnt imagine myself there for four years, whereas ucsd seemed like a place I could make home.
I was having tons of regrets, especially now that the may 1st deadline is of the past, but i know that I am giving up a little bit better academics and bragging rights for a possibly happier undergraduate life (and not necessarily less successful).</p>

26

<p>I'm having the same dilemma, but I made pro/con lists.</p>

<p>Take em with a grain of salt..</p>

<p>UC Berkeley, Cell and Developmental Bio</p>

<p>PROS
- General academics, “prestige” as a Public Ivy
o Consistently ranked as the top undergraduate public university by US News and World Report<br>
o 5th ranked globally by Newsweek, on par with Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Duke
o One of the most selective universities in the United States
o Faculty members are Nobel-laureates and renowned researchers with world-class recognitions and awards
o 4th largest library system in the United States
o Ranked 5th best value in public colleges by The Princeton Review
- Dorms available for transfers
- NCAA Division I athletics provides a sense of school spirit
o The Golden Bears' traditional arch-rivalry is with the Stanford Cardinal
- Close to North Berkeley area, a commercial district known for high quality dining, and Telegraph Avenue, shopping district catered to students
- Lively party scene </p>

<p>NEUTRAL
- Focus on liberal arts (language, oratory, logic, geometry, arimetic, music, astronomy)
- Semester system
- Politically-inclined students, frequent activist movements</p>

<p>CONS
- Can’t switch major?
- Class size averages around 10-19 people, labs & sub-sections 2-9 people
- "Life's tough at Berkeley" because "classes are generally very unforgiving. Students don't find much time to do anything other than study."
- Style of architecture that is rooted in the classical core.
o Gothic (great cathedrals, castles, town halls)
o Beaux-Arts
- Close to home, may have to commute via BART
- Not racially diverse
- Enrollment at capacity, receives less state money than other Ucs
- High rent prices in the city</p>

<p>UC San Diego, Physiology & Neuroscience</p>

<p>PROS
- Academics with a hard-science focus. Highly selective, research-oriented Public Ivy
o Ranked as the 7th best public university and 38th overall by U.S. News & World Report for its undergrad program
o UCSD Medical School ranked 1st in the nation for its Neuroscience graduate program, 2nd in the nation for Physiology
o Selected as the "Hottest for Science," by Newsweek magazine
o National Research Council ranked UC San Diego faculty the 10th-best in the nation
- School's location
o Close proximity to numerous research facilities for student opportunities
 Salk Institute, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research, and The Scripps Research Institute.
o Excellent weather conditions, ocean front with many beaches
o San Diego is a haven for off-campus recreational activities
- National Science Foundation has ranked UC San Diego 1st in the UC system and 6th in the nation in terms of Federal research expenditures.
o Total annual research funding of more than $600 million.
- John Muir College boasts a humanitarian emphasis focused on the "spirit of self-sufficiency and individual choice.”
- A.S. Council funds three quarterly festivals during the year: FallFest, WinterFest, and Sun God.</p>

<p>NEUTRAL
- Most frequent class size: 20-29
- Most frequent lab & sub-section size: 20-29</p>

<p>CONS
- Quarterly academic calendar
- Absence of a football team and Division II athletics division
o Results in generalized lack of school spirit
- Strict enforcement of on-campus residential regulations</p>

<p>feel free to comment</p>

27

<p>"Focus on liberal arts (language, oratory, logic, geometry, arimetic, music, astronomy)"</p>

<p>Huh?</p>

<p>"Can’t switch major?"</p>

<p>You can do so easily within a college, assuming that you're not in the College of Engineering.</p>

<p>"Class size averages around 10-19 people, labs & sub-sections 2-9 people"</p>

<p>Uh, lectures are huge and sections are around 30.</p>

<p>"Gothic (great cathedrals, castles, town halls)"</p>

<p>What the hell?!</p>

<p>"Not racially diverse"</p>

<p>Pretty much the same at UCSD.</p>

<p>"Close proximity to numerous research facilities for student opportunities"</p>

<p>Research opportunities at both schools are excellent.</p>

28

<p>Hahaha, this is why I need some input. I'm just grabbing all this stuff off Princeton Review and Wikipedia</p>

29

<p>UCB and UCSD are both great universities. If you get a decent GPA with a decent MCAT score at either college, you won't have a problem getting into at least one med school.</p>

30

<p>hahaha, but the question is which med school, not just any unheard of place in the middle of arkansas. (no offense to arkansas or anything around it.)</p>

31

<p>u guys think it would b harder to get a high gpa at wat school ucb ucla or ucsd for bioengineering? do ranks come into consideration when fortelling ur gpa?</p>

32

<p>"u guys think it would b harder to get a high gpa at wat school ucb ucla or ucsd for bioengineering? do ranks come into consideration when fortelling ur gpa?"</p>

<p>I think it would be hard to get a GPA at any school if you don't try hard. If you put in the effort, you can get the high GPA you want at any school. Remember what R. Kelly sings so passionately: I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky.</p>

<p>Ranks, as in terms of what? High school ranking? If so, no, it doesn't tell you anything.</p>

33

<p>lol i was talking about the universities ranking in the program you are attending...like ucla is ranked 40 in bioeng and ucsd is 2nd ... so what school can i succeed with more ease is my question</p>