UCSD or UCSC...and stuck on going Premed. Help is appreciated.

College Search & Selection
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<p>That's the gist of it. I also got accepted into UCSB but don't see myself going there.</p>

<p>I know that if I went to UCSC I could stand out, and set the curves rather than get abused by them...but UCSD has awesome facilities (like the three hospitals nearby) and one of the best bio departments in the country...and a much better reputation.</p>

<p>Minor (oh so minor) factors: I live in San Diego, so it would be nice to have a 20-minute drive to go home from college. A large number of my good friends are going to Santa Cruz, and the area/atmosphere is certainly nicer.</p>

<p>My absolute #1 goal (as of right now) is to get into medical school, of a non-Mexico variety (at least somewhat respectable). But it'd be nice to not go /entirely/ insane along the way.</p>

<p>Any and all thoughts are appreciated. I'm going to give Santa Cruz a visit over the weekend, and SD another, so I may change my mind or have more thoughts after that - which I'll post here.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>From what you've posted, it seems like you've not got too many reasons to go to UCSC, and what reasons you have (friends and to set curves) aren't solid IMHO. But definitely check back here AFTER visiting cause after all, it's where you're going to live your life for the next four years.</p>

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<p>By setting curves, I mean having the security of easier grades...I'm fairly sure of my ability to get better grades at SC than SD.</p>

<p>But I appreciate the answer, it helps.</p>

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<p>You might get better grades at UCSC but you will have no margin for error. UCSD is a premiere pre-med place. If you aren't cut out for getting good grades among pre-meds at a place like that then you don't belong in med school. Med school and people's health is not something to be taken lightly by choosing the path of least resistance. If you were serious about it then this would be a no brainer. I hope you are not my doctor in the future with that attitude.</p>