UCLA vs UCSD neuroscience

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>so i was recently admitted to both UCLA and UCSD in neuroscience (yay!) (UCSD= neuroscience & physiology) but I'm having a really hard time deciding between the two. Factors under consideration include:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I'm considering pre-med, but I'm not a hundred percent sure I will do this track. SD offers a strong bio program, which means that if I interchange within the different bio majors, I will still be receiving a strong science education. On the other hand, LA is more prestigious in a variety of fields, not just bio, which means that I can consider more fields if I decide to switch.</p></li>
<li><p>I've heard that SD's neuroscience program is more graduate-oriented whereas LA's program is more undergraduate focused. I was wondering if anyone (alumni, students?) could help me out? Like I understand that GE's are probably all lectures of up to 700+ students for both schools, but I was wondering in terms of the neuro department, where would there be smaller, more focused classes? Which school would be better for undergraduate neuro studies?</p></li>
<li><p>The vibe. LA seems to portray a more "full college experience" than SD in terms of social life, but I've also heard that SD is more focused for studying. Also, Los Angeles is pretty appealing to me... but I've never been to La Jolla, so... Anyone have any other opinions?</p></li>
<li><p>Internships: I'm sure LA has plenty of opportunities, but there seems to be an abundance of biotech companies at SD. Does anyone know how hard it is to secure research/internship positions at either of these schools?</p></li>
<li><p>I'm also considering minoring in film studies and/or music. (if that matters?</p></li>
<li><p>If I'm aiming for med school, would competition (GPA) be more cutthroat at UCLA?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I'm an international student and I probably won't have the chance to actually visit campus so any input would be appreciated!! If there are any other factors I should consider please feel free to chime in!</p>

<p>p.s. fin aid for both schools are pretty much the same (LA only gave a bit more by the slightest of margins). Thanks in advance!!</p>

2

<p>bummmmp. anyone? pretty please? thank you :D</p>

3

<p>Based of NRC rankings, neuroscience for SD ranks #2 for scholarly rank and research #1;for LA #6 in scholar rank and #4 in research. This gives you an overview of their neuroscience programs but overall if factors such as location and diversity plays a part in your choice LA beats SD by a landslide. Humanities is much better in LA (or at least imo) than SD which is more oriented towards biology and engineering (bio program in SD is amazing). Both are good schools though seemingly LAs name carries more prestige and both are good for premed though some would argue LA is more competitive; my response to that is they don’t understand what “competitive” is if they view LA to be cutthroat. Berkeley and John Hopkins would be considered cutthroat for the premed route (friend who graduated two years ago now in med school is literally a god for graduating undergrad with a 4.0 from Hopkins.)</p>