Hi,
I’ve narrowed my college choices down to University of Arizona, UC Davis, and University of San Diego, but I’m not sure how to pick from these. I’m planning on entering as a biology major with a pre-med emphasis, but I’m not sure how to weigh all the pros and cons of each school. The major criteria for my college search include: research/medical internship opportunities, competitiveness, which will set me up best for med school, close relationship with teachers (since letter of recs are important), class size, and school spirit.
I am a California resident and I could really use some insight on this. Thanks.
I would add to your criteria:
Costs should be a consideration since Medical school is very expensive. If possible completing your Undergrad debt free is the ideal.
I’d say they are comparable schools and depends of the net cost, you should choose the lowest one. If the cost is the same, I’d prick USD, because it is a smaller school and you get better attention from the professors.
Including scholarships, all schools are relatively the same price for me. (Arizona being slightly cheaper)
Both UofA and UCD both have their own med schools. Might make a difference in the availability of research.
I can’t speak for the others but at UCD, research and internship opportunities are plentiful. I don’t think it has anything to do with the medical school being on campus but more that there is a lot of research being done in various departments and they need people to help in their labs. The internship might have you washing beakers and that might not be what you want to do but the opportunities are there if you make connections, read your emails and apply. Nothing gets thrown in your lap.
Research opportunities won’t sway the med school’s decisions, unless you can publish your own paper without any endorsement. Lets face it, in large schools its almost impossible. They all know labs uses UG students as a helper, not “conducting” any major decisions, nor you will be responsible to apply for fundings.
What you need is a competitive application in all respects, perhaps some luck, applying broadly. All of these schools will offer you the opportunities and resources you need to produce a competitive app. Which one “will set you up best for med school” is much more related to your efforts, less the school attended. Where do you think you’d be most happy.