UCLA vs. UCSD vs. UCB Bioengineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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UCLA vs. UCSD vs. UCB as a bioengineering major

Hi guys,

I have recently been accepted as a bioengineering major at UCLA and UCSD (Warren College). (Assuming I get into UCB this Thursday.) I’d definitely appreciate it if someone can provide any info or personal experiences that will help guide my decision. I am planning on doing pre-med and I want a high GPA.

Here’s my main issue. I have just recently found out that UCSD is considered a top 5 school nationwide for biomedical engineering. I always knew it was great at bioengineering but I didn’t know it was ranked so much higher than some of the other schools I would’ve liked going to.

People I know have currently been telling me to go to UCLA and I really like the name and prestige associated with it. HOWEVER, its bioengineering program is not even ranked on US News??! Its already been around ten years and the program still hasnt taken off like UCSD has.

UCSD meanwhile has an excellent bioengineering program and has a gorgeous campus. I am totally willing to go to UCSD, if it wasnt for the name brand UCLA has. I have uncertain feelings about UCB, since competition is cutthroat and much harder.

MOST Importantly, if anyone has data about the average GPA and medical acceptance rate for bioengineers at the respective UC Campus would be appreciated!

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Bioengineering rankings are probably based off graduate school rankings, which is irrelevant in deciding which school to attend as an undergrad. I also wouldn’t do pre-med as an engineering major.

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Go to the Engineering Open House and find out for yourself

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^ That’s what my plan is!

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in the eyes of recruiters, they only hire students from the major, not from the school. it’s like you would more likely go to CMU to recruit Computer Science majors as supposed to Harvard… you know how hard it is to get into CMU CS major and their students / staff quality. and now you look at your case, you know the answer.