UCSB vs USC (Biology)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
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Hi everyone! So I’m currently debating between attending UCSB and USC in the fall. I was admitted to UCSB as a Pre-Biology major w/ Pre-Med and Honors. For USC, I was admitted into Biochemistry but I’m actually thinking of changing to Neuroscience. Originally USC was my dream school, but after much consideration I’ve realized that UCSB is an equally great school. I was wondering if anyone had any input of which would be a better choice. Although USC is double the tuition of UCSB, money isn’t an issue because my grandpa has already told me he will pay for my college.

I’ve already visited both campuses. I visited USC several months ago (actually gonna visit again this week) and I loved it. I really saw myself attending. But then I also visited UCSB this past week and I just loved the atmosphere. It felt so chill and relaxed. I felt that I could really achieve my academic success while still having a social life and fun. Note, I’d actually rather stay away from the party scene. But I think that is manageable with either school. I would just really like a school where I can get a good education but not have to be completely overstressed due to over-competition. I expect that both schools are competitive but I do want one where I can take a breathe at times.

I do want to do a minor in college but I think my options are a bit more limited w/ UCSB compared to USC. I was also hoping to study abroad. So if anyone has any insight on that regarding these schools that would be cool. Additionally, how would you compare the undergraduate research? I know that UCSB is pre-dominantly undergraduate w/ less graduate students so I’ve heard there is more opportunity for undergraduates to participate in research since you aren’t competing with graduate students. On the flip side, would is it hard to get undergraduate research at USC?

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I do feel the programs you’re interested in at UCSB would be strong, and help you gain admission into a solid graduate program. Given the costs involved, I would favor UCSB, but I would also note that you must be diligent with your studies at UCSB. Given the atmosphere, it could be easier to slack off. When I toured after admission there many years ago, I got that impression, and one of the natural science professors even mentioned such at the beginning of a quarter. Yet there are many high-achieving, hard-working students there, and I really respect the faculty and resources. It might have changed in the intervening years, but with that beach on campus, I’m not so sure…

I think you could also find undergraduate research at USC with some motivation. I just don’t know if it would be worth the additional cost; those really aren’t the particular programs I’d put USC at the top of the list for.