UCSB right for me? (Pre-Biopsych/Nueroscience) (UCI vs UCSB & UCSB in general)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
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<p>Hey guys! I was wondering you could help me out...</p>

<p>I was recently admitted to UCSB for Pre-Biopsych & UCI for Biological Sciences. I've done research at UCI so I'm pretty familiar with the campus and student life. I prefer the UCSB vibe and overall school over UCI but my family and so many others are telling me otherwise. I am going pre-med & was leaning towards Nueroscience. Everyone keeps telling me that UCI is stronger because its more science based, has a med school, has alot more science classes & is stronger in general. UCSB on the other hand isn't great for pre-med& science, only has Bio-psych that is similar to Nuero, has less classes & is not as strong. (It also doesn't have clubs like Flying sams or mini med school but the benefit is that I can bring it on campus (: ) I actually think otherwise. I pretty much think that all UC's are great academically and med school really just cares about grades and such. I feel like I would be able to succeed regardless but UCSB seems more desirable. Would it really hurt me if I decide to go to SB? How are the classes for science majors and does anyone know any info on great neuro or science programs I can take? </p>

<p>So thats my main dilemma.. My overall pros about UCI is that it has great academics, chill & newport beach. The disadvantage is that its definitely not the full package. I've spent a summer there & I feel like I'm not motivated. It has no diversity, lacks spirit or activities and etc. I would like a school that has a great variety of things to do & ways I can challenge myself. UCSB has great academics, great environment and a lot more to offer. I also think that I would be able to do better here. The only neg is way too much partying for me but if I dont look for parties they wont come and find me. Im not sure. What do you guys think? I obviously care more about education and will sacrifice my social life for it. My main priority is getting a great education and GPA so I will be able to go to a great med school in Ca & also have a social life and enjoy my surroundings. Let me know :) Any help is appreciated!! </p>

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<p>My niece went to UCSB pre med and was an EMT there but she said there are a ton of opportunities for pre med students. Graduating from med school this year, she tried to get back to Santa Barbara on her residency, but while she was matched for her first choice (surgery) she will be back east at a hospital connected with an Ivy. (I’m sure you know the blind match system for residencies.) </p>

<p>The idea that UCSB isn’t good in the sciences is just baffling to me, and with there being smaller graduate programs, undergraduates get tons of hands on opportunities in the research at UCSB. I think it was last year this time some European ranking system that measures impact on the sciences worldwide by the number of citations a University’s research has in peer reviewed literature named UCSB as number two in the world.</p>

<p>This thread seems to also be relevant to your question, and the bottom post is by a mom of someone at UCSB in Bio-psych, and she probably could give you a lot more information than I could: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-santa-barbara/1626981-ucsb-v-ucd-for-neuroscience.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-santa-barbara/1626981-ucsb-v-ucd-for-neuroscience.html#latest&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Above that post, I posted some articles on UCSBs neuroscience program.</p>

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<p>Wow! Thank you for your response :slight_smile: I’ve talked to a lot of people and they have said both are competitive but Irvine is more impacted. Ultimately, the goal is med school so the most important thing is a wonderful GPA. Regardless, I need to choose a school that’ll make me happy. I think I’m going with SB! </p>

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<p>@bruin2018 UCSB has a relatively new health science track for the honors program in L&S you might want to check out:
<a href=“http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/honors/health”>http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/honors/health&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Neuro is quite strong here at UCSB and because UCSB has a lower proportion of grad students than many schools there are great opportunities for undergrads to get involved in research.</p>

<p>Given that both schools could get you where you want to go if you are prepared to put the work in, choosing the one that you think will make you happy is an excellent idea!</p>

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<p>Both schools are great! Good luck with whichever you choose.</p>