UCSD vs. UCI vs. UCSB for Biochemistry

College Search & Selection
1

Hello. Now that college admissions season is over, I’m struggling to decide on where I should submit my SIR to. I applied to Berkeley, LA, SD, Irvine, and SB for the UC’s, but was rejected from Berkeley (idk why I applied to College of Chemistry instead of L&S) and was waitlisted at UCLA (my dream school). However, I find this as a blessing in disguise in that I understand the level of competitiveness at both LA and Berkeley and GPA matters a lot to me as I hope to apply for Med School. If not Med School, I hope to do research and development as some biotech company, which is why I’m leaning towards UCSD because of La Jolla, but I’m worried that I’m making a mistake for not taking advantage of what Irvine or SB have to offer. If anyone can provide insight, I would really appreciate your help on such a common yet difficult decision!

UCSD
Pros:
-Admitted as Biochemistry and Cell Biology major (my first choice major)
-Muir College (easiest GE’s)
-La Jolla and Biotech industry
-I love San Diego (my dad worked in La Jolla)
-I like my required classes
-Some AP credit (Entry Writing Requirement)
-Highly ranked for biochemistry
-Internships

Cons:
-Socially dead? (I find this subjective to the student, but I’d like some input)
-I’m not the biggest fan of the campus, but I believe it could grow on me
-Competitive in Bio Sciences?
-Waitlist classes -> possibly not graduating? (idk, worst case scenario?)
-Farthest from home

UC Irvine
Pros:
-Admitted to Campuswide Honors Program
-Priority registration/honors housing
-I wouldn’t have to worry about being waitlisted for classes
-I love the Irvine/Newport area
-Good social scene?
-AP credit for GE’s
-I like the campus

Cons:
-I hear that bc it’s a commuter school, it’s dead on the weekends?
-Admitted as a Chemistry major instead of Biochemistry
-I don’t like my GE’s
-Lower rank for biochem?

UCSB
Pros:
-Honors Program
-Priority registration
-Santa Barbara is beautiful
-Super friendly people
-Closer to home

Cons:
-Party School
-IV
-Kinda isolated
-Parents have to take the 101 to visit vs. the 5 for Irvine and SD
-Less internship opportunities?
-Lower rank for biochem?

Update: If by some narrow, slim chance I get off the waitlist for UCLA, should I choose UCLA over my other options?

2

Update: Another Con for SB I guess is that I was admitted for Pre-Chemistry

3

In addition to the regional biotech industry, UCSD has the advantage of having multiple hospitals and more overall research than the other schools. It’s only socially dead if you’re socially dead; the harder you try to have fun and meet people, the more fun you’ll have. I tell everyone if you’re even a slightly social person you can find parties and make friends. It’s competitive but not cutthroat in the way Berkeley and LA are, I’d call it more collaborative while still being challenging. While it can be hard to get the class you want sometimes, it’s usually a matter of choosing a less desirable lecture time or professor than not getting it altogether.

4

Did you apply for and get into the UCSB CCS? If so, I’d go there. Otherwise, I’d say its a toss-up between UCSD and UCSB. You seem to be leaning more towards UCSD and the con’s for it aren’t major, so go there.