Hey I’m a future pre med student and I just got off the waitlist for Berkeley but I did my SIR to SB. Id be scared to go to Berkeley because I’d be a microscopic fish in an ocean sized pond. I think I could also do a lot better at SB and get a high GPA which is important for going to med school. Advice?
Berkeley would definitely challenge you academically, yes, but isn’t that what med schools are looking for? They want students who step outside their comfort zone and are always looking to improve themselves intellectually. Although at Berkeley you wouldn’t stand out to your professors, you would be surrounded by classmates who will inspire you, change the way you look at things and make you want to answer questions you never thought of asking. You will have a world class education. Med schools would prefer a lower GPA from Berkeley then a higher GPA from Santa Barbara as they will see that you were not afraid to challenge yourself with difficult classes. Going to Santa Barbara to get a higher GPA is like not taking AP classes solely to protect your GPA. It also wouldn’t be controversial to say that Berkeley, being so prestigious, has better resources, more accomplished professors and more money for research grants. Additionally, if you do decide not to attend med school (you may seem sure of your decision now but you’d be surprised how much college changes your future plans by introducing you to new things), then a degree from Berkeley would open more doors then one from UCSB.
On the other hand, as a Berkeley admit, at UCSB you would be a star in classes and a professor favourite (think of those amazing letters of recommendations). As a high ranking student you will have more opportunities for research with profs and internships as you will stand out more against the competition. And, as you mentioned, would have an easier time in classes so have a higher GPA.
I’d definitely recommend visiting both as you also need to think about other factors. Which campus do you prefer? Did one have a better atmosphere? Is one cheaper than the other? What majors are available? Which location would you prefer? Is one closer to home?
At the end of the day, they are both great options and as you can see there are pros to both so you can’t go wrong with either. Good luck with your decision. =)
Thanks so much, this is great advice!
Although Gatsby’s sentiment was great, the reality is that med schools care about GPA and MCAT scores. Where you graduate from largely doesn’t matter. Med schools will prefer a higher GPA from a worse school than a lower GPA at a better school. Go where you feel at home and where you feel you can thrive. Don’t be afraid to push yourself and go to Berkeley, but if you really feel your GPA won’t be strong then go to SB and gain a stronger GPA.
Professors at both schools will have high standards and your GPA is not likely to be much different at one or the other. Unless you are happier at one, whence your GPA will be greater at that school.