<p>Hey everybody, I know these topics are all over this board, but I guess it's because people are trying to decide where to go (even me!).
Mostly what I've seen is people telling the OP to visit the campus first.. etc.</p>
<p>Well I'm from Southern California, a transfer student, and I'd like to go into research for Neuroscience, not Med school!</p>
<p>I went to visit UCSC (another school I got accepted to) and UCD. Between the 2 I decided UCD since I believe the school is more reputable, better for what I want to do, etc. I loved the small college town vibe and the campus. Down side is that it's soooooo far away from my home.</p>
<p>I was set on going to UCD (didn't SIR yet though), and I came home to check my other applications. I didn't think I was going to get into UCSB so I didn't bother for a while.. Now that I checked I have been accepted it's really thrown everything off for me.</p>
<p>I guess I'd like a little feedback into which school is better for my major. I got accepted into NPB (Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior) at UCD and Pre-Biology at UCSB.</p>
<p>Now, I don't just want people from each school telling me why they love their school so much because anyone that goes to their school tries to make the best of it, and then loves it. I want to know which program really is better, and what looks better to most people going for their Masters (if that's possible).</p>
<p>Sorry for the wall of text, but I only have until June 1st to SIR and I don't want to wait until last minute, doing my research for schools now!
I'll probably go visit UCSB this weekend since it's not too far away.</p>
<p>Thanks guys I'd really appreciate some help!</p>
<p>I’m studying for an exam tomorrow so I won’t be able to say too much. I’m currently studying psychology at UC Davis and have had the opportunity to get involved in research at the Center for Mind and Brain and I have loved it. The professors and graduate students have been very encouraging and genuinely want to train me as much as possible for graduate school. Although I’m sure you will be able to find wonderful research experience at UCSB as well. </p>
<p>But more specifically, since you want to go into neuroscience research, you should check out is the MIND Institute at Davis. Undergraduate students can get internships there and if you feel like going to Sacramento often will be doable with you schedule (there’s a weekday bus to and from campus), it will be valuable research experience and could lead to fantastic LORs!</p>
<p>Davis seems to offer more for you.</p>
<p>It sounds like you intend to pursue an MS. As an aside, the union card for most people in the sciences is a PhD. Those with a bachelor or masters often do not find well-paying work in their field. It may be different for neuroscience, but it is certainly the case for other areas like chemistry and biology.</p>
<p>I would bet several of your science current profs have PhDs, probably even from well-regarded schools. I suggest meeting with a couple of them to discuss both your school choice (they are insiders and know the reputations) and for more general career advice. Many profs are pleased to help out, indeed are flattered to be asked.</p>
<p>It’s funny you say that mikemac, I just found out today that at my CC there’s a professor with a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA.
But you’re right, I do want to eventually reach the level of PhD no doubt.
I will probably go end up picking the professors brain, especially now that my CC semester is coming to a close.</p>
<p>A less-well-known but somewhat depressing story is that there is a glut of PhDs. If you think about it, in a stable environment any given prof at a University needs to train exactly one replacement PhD over her/his career. Make that a couple because some go into industry, some go to colleges that don’t grant Phds, etc. But still the number actually being trained, since profs always have grad students around, far exceeds the amount that can be absorbed at large U’s. So you end up with people from good U’s teaching at places you normally wouldn’t expect to find them, like at a CC.</p>
<p>But that’s to the good for CC students. Definitely take advantage of the resources at hand!</p>
<p>@elgozz, Have you checked out UCSB’s major in Biopsychology? It sounds like what you may be interested in. Also consider the fact UCSB has a very small graduate population, so their is ample opportunity to get involved in research as an undergraduate!</p>