<p>Hey guys, I really can't decide between these 3 UC schools. I've been asking around and I've been hearing pretty much the same thing. Please don't tell me it's "my preference." Because I'm really fine with UCLA and UCSD. (more details on UCI below)</p>
<p>UCI (Biological Sciences): I'm pretty much local, so I know all there is to know about Irvine. I would be saving money and there are plenty of research opportunities around me. Also, I'm fairly confident that I could maintain a high GPA.</p>
<p>UCLA (Biology): Brand new beautiful setting and hopefully I will grow more as a person. I've heard plenty of stories about how UCLA is competitive and "harder," which kind of intimidates me. But I realize that med school is going to be just as hard and rigorous, so I might as well start now.</p>
<p>UCSD (Human Biology): Again, nice setting. I have more friends here, which could be to my benefit. Since they already know the place pretty well, they can show me around and also help me on my studies. SD is probably just as competitive, so I know I'll be working hard here too. On the downside, I got into Eleanor Roosevelt College (my 2nd or 3rd choice... don't quite remember). ERC has more basis on history/writing. So I'd have to take 5 more writing classes to fulfill that upper division requirement.</p>
<p>P.S. I'm a CCC Transfer.</p>
<p>Thanks for your time! :D</p>
<p>UCI bio takes pride in having a rigorous program, it is going to be just as hard and have a killer curve, just like LA or SD, so if you choose UCI do not choose it because you think it will be easy.</p>
<p>If you choose UCI because you can save all that room & board money, that is no small thing, as a matter of fact, that is a lot of money, perhaps $20-30k over two years. But do factor in driving time & the cost of a car & the parking permits. Also, if you live at home, will you be motivated and able to be involved in ECs?</p>
<p>Thanks! I understand it will be just as difficult. I was just taking into account that I was going to be living at home and I already have a pretty solid study schedule at home. Moving somewhere else would just allow me to venture out more, but I’d eventually get into the groove. </p>
<p>It is definitely a benefit to stay home to save costs. But I know I will be unhappy and less motivated. I’ve lived in Irvine most of my life. Yes, it’s safe, has a bunch of stuff to do, and it’s pretty quiet. However, it would be nice to get a change in scenery. I figured I could go to either UCLA or UCSD and UCI for grad? Or should I just go to UCI for the next 2-3 years and then elsewhere for grad?</p>
<p>* I figured I could go to either UCLA or UCSD and UCI for grad? Or should I just go to UCI for the next 2-3 years and then elsewhere for grad?*</p>
<p>First…if you’re rec’g aid, then finish in 2 years. Cal Grants and other UC aid (Blue and Gold promise) end after 2 years for transfer students.</p>
<p>Did you do your pre-med pre-reqs at your CC? If so, how did you do?</p>
<p>As for your question about going to UCI for undergrad and somewhere else for grad school, I assume you mean med school? It really won’t be up to you. It will depend on which med schools accept you. If you apply to the UC SOMs and some privates, you may only have one acceptance…and you’ll go there no matter where that is.</p>
<p>IMO, it depends more on your finances. UCLA is an awesome collegiate experience, even for transfers. Big time D1 sports, med school on campus, high prestige/academics, better campus community and Westwood. But don’t go into big time debt to experience something new.</p>
<p>If you are not a good writer, you might shy away from SD. A bunch of B’s in additional writing classes can be gpa killers, not to mention sink-holes of time for poor writers. IMO, SD is just as hard as UCLA – but I only have anecdotes from friends on which to base that opinion. </p>
<p>If you do commute to Irvine, try to get involved in a club or two asap so you can meet some new peeps. You might even consider taking a general ed course at UCI over the summer to get the feel for the campus.</p>
<p>I’m having trouble deciding as well.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>If you’re just applying now, why not wait til acceptances?</p>