UCSD vs UCD, for bio/pre-med

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
1

Hi

I’ve browsed thru threads on this from earlier years, just wanted to get a more fresh perspective :slight_smile:

D has got into UCSD and UCD in Bio programs. At Marshall in UCSD.
She graduated from one of the tougher public schools in the CA bay area with good grades, not top.
She is a hard worker (& has good memory) if/when she puts her mind to it.

She wants to do pre-med, but also have a decent 4+ yrs in college ! Given the pre-med burnout/drop-out percentages, there’s also the chance that she’ll change her mind an year or so into it.

Visited both colleges and she has good vibes about both (She’d enjoyed a nice 4 week summer program at Scrips in SD last year). We have a feeling - basically from reading online, that UCD might be a bit more easy on the courses, easier on the grades and more of the ‘college spirit’. But we also feel that the College system in SD may provide the ‘college spirit’ option to some extent (and have heard good things about Marshall).

So any thoughts? I know this is a ‘good’ problem to have, but still one . .:slight_smile:

thx

2

UCSD has a number of hospitals around the area for clinical experience/volunteering, and its relatively low graduate population means a lot of research is done by undergrads. In addition, instititutes like the Salk nearby also mean internship and research opportunities. Its bio programs are very strong as well, high regarded nationwide.
I don’t know much about UCD but you’re probably right in that there’s not much of a ‘college-y feel’ to UCSD because of its lack of school spirit. However, the opportunities it provides with its location and academic strength are nothing to sneeze at.