<p>Hi guys. I am currently a senior in high school and at this point in my life I am about to make a decision that could affect the rest of my future. That decision is: should I study biology at UCLA? Or should I study biology at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities? At first, this question may seem like a no brainer, but let me provide the reasons for why I am so conflicted.</p>
<p>First off, there's money. Money is always an issue. UCLA is terribly expensive, about 55k a year for me and my family. However, the U of M is much less. I get in state tuition and quite a bit of scholarship money. This is only exacerbated by the fact that I am aiming to become a doctor. Whether that will happen or not, I do intend to obtain some higher level of education, whether that is graduate school or medical school. My current thinking is that I go to the U of M for undergrad and apply to a better school for grad. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Second. My dad told me that at UCLA everyone is very aggressive and confident. They are mostly extroverts and very assertive. He told me that unfortunately I was not that type of person and I would not fit in very well if I went because of my personality (I somewhat agree with him on this point). How important do you guys think this is?</p>
<p>What should I do? Where should I go? Why? Any help would be greatly appreciated since I am pretty desperate here. Thanks in advance for the advice and help!</p>
<p>Although I am not familiar with the U. of Minn. undergraduate biology department I know most of the natural science areas at the U. are some of the best you will find anywhere. Really for the undergraduate program the courses will be very similar so it will come down to which specific teachers you end up with and like best. </p>
<p>I sure don’t see UCLA being worth paying extra money for when you can go to UofM. Save some of the money for later and look forward to being a gopher at the end of the summer. The UC’s continue to have funding issues and that also would be a concern for me.</p>
<p>UCLA has almost 30,000 undergrads. I’m friends with quite a few of them. I assure you, they’re not all aggressive, confident, and extroverted. In many cases some of the students are exactly the opposite of that description. </p>
<p>It seems like Minnesota is a better choice given the cost difference.</p>
<p>Whenever i see people comparing public universities in a different states, the first question i wonder is if the person is in-state for either university. If they are, the one that they’re in-state for is generally the one i’d recommend (barring a very good scholarship from one of the universities making costs more or less equal.)</p>
<p>Is UCLA worth 55k a year? Sure. Do certain people pay it? Yes. I’m certain i’ve met more than a few people who pay the sticker price at UCLA. But those people can afford it without a great financial strain. It doesn’t really sounds like you can. Additionally, you haven’t really stated anything that makes the decision a ‘no brainer.’ you haven’t stated any explicit preference for UCLA, or hatred for UMinn.</p>
<p>Save your money. If you do ultimately go for the med. school route, you’re going to need it.</p>
<p>This is actually an easy decision. Its hard for you to make because like many HS students you believe in fictions like choosing a college ranked slightly higher in US News is going to significantly affect your future. </p>
<p>It may not be what you and your friends believe, but the only thing thats going to make a difference in whether you get into med school is what you do in college. Study hard so you get good grades and do well on the MCAT, get to know some profs so you get strong and personal recs, take part in research, do some volunteer work in a medical setting. </p>
<p>You can do these at any large public. UCLA is not going to do something magical to raise your chances. They have no special way of teaching that makes it easier to learn tough subjects. Profs are not going to try to get to know you. Nobody out there is going to take a personal interest in your future, suggesting you do the things it takes to be a successful med school applicant. Frankly the only difference 4 years down the road between your 2 choices is how much you paid to attend. </p>
<p>As a CA taxpayer I’d welcome you and your family kicking in $100K to help keep the UC system going. If your parents were loaded and wanted to indulge your wish to go to school in CA that would be one thing. Sounds like that’s not the case. So the choice is simple. Go to Minnesota.</p>
<p>WoW congratulations & U will be very happy graduating Uminn without debt for sure, so what about Let’s Make a Deal with your dad to go to Ucla for a summer program that would further your opportunities in medical school applications… U R really smart to leave debt to grad school, and I love Westwood so much I have been here two summers with pplz from all over the world… My roommates have all been pre-med, and summer programs can boost your chances so Y not Ucla or UCSD in LaJolla or UCIrvine which all have teaching hospitals & are near beaches & fun stuff in summer…</p>