UCI vs. UC Riverside Premed

<p>I was wondering which school would be best for me to complete my undergraduate studies: UCR or Irvine. I got the Regents scholarship (basically full scholarship) for UC Riverside, however Riverside has a very bad reputation. Although, since UC riverside is easier, i will be able to excel compared to UC Irvine where there is more competition..
Also, which school would look better when Im applying to med school? </p>

<p>I definitely don't know which one to choose..</p>

<p>Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Choose the school you feel you'll be happier at. I personally got a Regents to Irvine, Riverside, and Berkeley but chose to go to Cornell instead. Don't worry about not being able to excell at school X - just go to the school you think is the best fit for you and you will naturally do better there.</p>

<p>I disagree w/ theslowclap on this; you do want to go to a school you can excell. I know that Cornell U has an especially bad reputation for weeding out pre-meds, and many that made it into med school might not have made it had they gone to Cornell. (theslowclap, this isn't a personal attack on your school, just an example)</p>

<p>That being said, don't go to an "easier" school for that reason alone. It all comes down to tradeoffs-- ie if UCI was a 90 out of 100, and UC Riverside was an 89, it might be worth it for the easier grades. I've heard great things about UCI though; it's supposed to have lots of research opportunities, if that's what you're into; haven't heard a whole lot about UCR.</p>

<p>I'd go to UCI. the idea that any of the UC's is "easy" is a misconception. At UCR, there is competition for grades because many highly qualified students want to get into the Haider Prgrm. UCI isn't any easier; what I'm trying to say is, don't look at how easy or hard you <em>think</em> the college is, go to the one where you will be able to fit in and be happy at for four years.</p>

<p>thanks guys, i appreciate the advice</p>

<p>Actually, I agree Cornell is very challenging but I disagree that you will get "weeded out" simply because you chose to attend Cornell. Personally, I think it's not that bad as long as you put in a lot of serious effort into studying. Cornell is just as difficult as any other top college; it's premed in general that is difficult.</p>

<p>I think that UCR is a good choice because doing well in UCR gives you a better chance of getting into UCLA med-school.</p>

<p>I am in a community college and I have a 3.25 GPA. will I be accepted into UCR to major in biochem/ premed? or maybe any of the other good schools like UCLA, UCSB, UCB, or UCI. I do not know what to do. Please help</p>

<p>well, yes, look up TAG agreements. As long as you have a 3.0 you have have guarenteed acceptance to all of the UC’s except UCLA and Berkeley. Which, to be honest, I don’t think you stand much of a chance with. But, UCSB and UCI you’re good.</p>

<p>why dont I stand a chance to transfer to UCLA? what do you think that the GPA requirements are?</p>

<p>at least a 3.5 i’d say.</p>