<p>Which does this group think is better? My son is waitlisted at UCSD but has elected to go to UCI honors vs USC because of cost. (We received zero financial aid.) </p>
<p>This may be a mute point because he may not get off the waitlist but assuming he did get off which Bio program would most on this forum choose?</p>
<p>Is there anywhere I can get some concrete data points on which program is better?</p>
<p>Honestly, like I’ve told many of my friends, a lot does depend on how much your son actually likes each place; he’ll be spending a good four years there. </p>
<p>UCSD’s bio program is top ranked and whatnot, with a med center (plus a new building they proposed for research), #1 in oceanography and marine bio (Scripps), and home to many large biotechnology companies in the SD area. Environmental factors play a huge role in choosing though, along with the fact that at UCI’s CHP program, he’ll have priority choices for classes and housing. </p>
<p>I myself, got into both UCSD and UCI CHP, but I hated Irvine and the uber suburbia atmosphere and decided to forgo the perks of honors for an environment that I preferred. That and along with the fact that UCSD is much better for my major/field and interests.</p>
<p>i’d pick UCSD, hands down. the caliber of research (both on-campus and in surrounding companies and research institutes) is unparalleled by most metropolitan areas in the country. as an undergrad who has yet to settle on what his specific interests in biology are, UCSD would be able to provide him with a greater number of choices and opportunities to pursue them.</p>
<p>-from a current PhD candidate in biology</p>
<p>I picked UCSD. To me, the environment was very important and it didn’t hurt that there’s a bunch of bio companies around San Diego. There’s just a lot of chances for internships, research around, even if it’s not on campus. I know for sure that my major is going to remain something to do with the biological sciences. Whether I choose to use my degree in regards to research, pharmacy, or medical school, etc, SD’s been giving me a first hand experience at every little thing my degree can offer me.</p>