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!
Well, (assuming you don’t get into UCB), and even if you do, you’ve already put up a pretty compelling argument for UCSD. To be honest, if name and prestige are the only things you’re concerned with, then you don’t really have a real concern. Later in life, when you’re getting a job, etc., any proper bio-engineering place will know of UCSD’s ranking, and as such, will carry it’s own prestige. Is it the same as saying “I go to UCLA?” Not quite, but the name carries weight where it matters.
UCSD would be the wiser choice in my opinion. San Diego’s really been taking off with all kinds of biotech companies in the Torrey Pines area, and UCSD is investing more and more money in its biomedical programs. You’d have much greater access to potential internships/research/job openings as a student at UCSD than either of the other schools. Google “jacobs medical center” if you haven’t heard about it, how awesome would it be to have access to a literally brand new hospital that close to campus? The general consensus is that medical school ad coms don’t even truly take your undergrad school into account when making selections, so the prestige of Berkeley and LA is already lost right there. If you’re set on med school, go for UCSD.
@JPhilly99 @Merppity thank you guys for the comments! Well unfortunately I was Waitlisted at UC Berkeley. I am still kinda undecided right now. Also what are your thoughts on Georgia Tech, if I had to choose between UCSD and GT?
Both are great schools, and both are incredibly strong in engineering. Although I have no personal experience, I can say that both are going to be what you make from it. At their level though (highly regarded), it would be better for you to start making a decision based upon cost, campus quality, distance from home, etc.
I’d still go with UCSD. I just feel like the proximity to the heart of the biotech industry in San Diego is a major plus, and personally I’d much rather be in San Diego for four years than Georgia! @nevergiveupp
@JPhilly99 Thanks I have narrowed my choices down to UC San Diego, UCLA, and UT-Austin!
Awesome! I got in to UCLA as well but I’m weighing it against a public school on the east coast that offered a full tuition scholarship/acceptance to their honors program. I’m also going for pre-med, so there’s definitely a lot to consider. Good luck making your decision! Go with your gut and where you think you’re most likely to succeed. Everything else will fall into place. @nevergiveupp
@JPhilly99 Cobgrats to you as well! Let me know what you choose in the end!! 