<p>I got accepted into these two colleges, UCR - Biochem and UCSC - Bio sciences. I am trying to get into a medical school, and I was wondering if it was worth it to go to UCSC over UCR even though UCR has the Thomas Haider program? Any input is appreciated, but I would rather have non-biased answers. Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>I hear from many people that UCR is a better school in general, than UCSC.
Here’s a listing of the best schools in California in order and UCR is above SC.
[Top</a> Colleges and Universities in California | University Web Rankings](<a href=“http://www.4icu.org/us/California.htm]Top”>http://www.4icu.org/us/California.htm)</p>
<p>^I have no idea where this ranking comes from or who sponsors it, but any list that ranks the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Harvey Mudd, etc) below most of the Cal State campuses is worse than useless. </p>
<p>The two schools have very different cultures and environments. Have you visited both campuses? The Haider sounds like a wonderful program, but if you’d really prefer Santa Cruz, realize that being happy at your school counts for a lot, too. Admission to the Haider program, as you know, only happens after your sophomore year. Acceptance rate is around one out of 10. You’ll need to weigh your desire to go to med school and your honest assessment of how competitive you could be for the Haider versus your feelings about both campuses. Also consider that you may change your focus and go into another field. You’ll want to make sure you could be happy at Riverside if you don’t pursue the Haider. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>^ those rankings are only based on web popularity… not on academics.</p>
<p>Well UCSC’s incoming undergrads have higher test scores and GPA then UCR’s undergrads, therefore that has to be an indicator of something. Yet, I also don’t know to much about the strengths of each UC, when it comes to the sciences, such as Bio, Chem, etc.</p>
<p>asadnazif we have very similar dilemmas right now. I’m deciding between UCSC and UCR, with Biology for both.
The Health Sciences major at SC looks really appealing, and I’m strongly considering trying to switch to that if I do go to UCSC. Feel free to look at my threads, since we are asking similar q’s.</p>
<p>SlitheyTove – Can you talk more about the difference in culture and envt between UCSC and UCR? …and maybe go onto my UCSC or UCR and help me decide with your wisdom hehe.</p>
<p>Many of you are wrong. UCSC does not have higher test scores than UCR. UCR renewed its image and improved the school dramatically. UCR now has a Med school like UCLA and UCB do. UCSC doesn’t. if your looking into the medical field you’ll be sorry not to pick UCR. especially with it Medicine schools and connections with UCLA</p>
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<p>blacktofu, most of my knowledge is second hand, based on students I know who go to the two schools. I’d suggest reading the boards here and on other student review college sites, along with looking up what the big fat college books say about the two campuses. One big obvious difference is the weather and surrounding environment. Do you like dry heat and being closer to the desert, or do you like cooler weather and rain and being on the ocean? Do you want to be able to take a day trip to Los Angeles or to San Jose/San Francisco? SC has more of a hippie vibe. UCR has a reputation of being a great place for URMs who want a supportive community (though the students I know who attend are caucasian). </p>
<p>I know pre-meds at both schools; both are happy with the quality of education they’re getting.</p>
<p>The OP definitely made his decision already but UCSC is better than UCR. Definitely better academically and is in a better location. (the campus is gorgeous!)</p>