UChicago VS UCSD/UCLA for Neuroscience undergraduate?

College Search & Selection
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Hello friends,

I’m really torn on deciding between UChicago and UCSD/UCLA. Money is not a factor. I want to do something in entrepreneurship with regards to Neuroscience (e.g. pharmaceuticals, AI, etc). I’m looking to go more the research route of Neuroscience, not pre-med.

I like UChicago for:
–its intellectual vibe. I’m intellectual outside of the classroom myself so this fits my tastes.
–prestige and on the rise
– ease of access to Freshman research opportunities due to smaller student:faculty ratio
–better potential to transfer out to another school if I want to

but I don’t like:
–the bad weather (I’m a Chicago native)
–potentially lacking sciences
–not much college life
–academic rigor
–same city I’ve lived in for my whole life

I like UCSD/UCLA for:
–more reputable biological sciences
–less rigorous, I’d be at the top of my class academically
–California’s chill, free vibe
–new city and environment
–perfect weather and location

but I don’t like:
–lower tier schools with less prestige
–Large majority Asian population (I’m Caucasian)
–worse student:faculty ratio possibly translating into less research opportunities

Thanks!

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If money is not a factor, it would be very difficult for me not to recommend choosing UChicago. For the typical student, the educational and research opportunities there are much better. The classes are much smaller. Student to faculty ratio at UChicago is 6 to 1 and UCLA is 16-1. That’s significant.

PS - Do not assume that you would be at the top of your class at UCLA or UCSD just because of SAT scores. The UCs emphasize grades over scores so that they can serve the high achievers from the entire state of California, includng the poor ghettos and rural communities. Thus, many of the students there are extremely motivated kids from poorer backgrounds. Their high schools sucked, and they didn’t get to prep for the SAT the way suburban kids do, but they are smart and hard working and their SATs do not reflect their abilities or their drive.