Hello,
I got accepted to UCSD molecular biology and UW Seattle campus biomedical engineering. I’m planning on pursuing medical career in the future.
Which one of these univs would be a better fit?
And also, does UCSD allow you to change the major like biomed engineering even though it’s a very competent one?
Both universities and programs are outstanding, and you cannot go wrong academically with either choice. If you can visit both, that would help you decide.
Washington has US News top 10 biomedical engineering undergraduate and graduate programs and the #1 ranked medical school for primary care (#10 for research, and the only school in the top 10 of both US News categories) right on campus.
UCSD’s programs are also highly ranked, and it has a large affiliated medical system in its general vicinity (and, of course, it is in beautiful La Jolla).
Congratulations on having such excellent options.
Bioengineering is impacted at UCSD, so if you wanted to switch into that major, it is a competitive process and there is no guarantee that you would be able to switch into it. You can switch into any other non-impacted major with ease (including other majors in the biology department), but all engineering majors are impacted.
I would go with UCSD. Both schools are amazing but UCSD being in San Diego has the cherry on top
UCSD has one of the top biology (undergraduate or graduate) programs in the nation, as well as seven exclusive teaching hospitals in the vicinity (research opportunities galore), and hundreds of biotech startups and conglomerates in the area (internships yay). However, you wouldn’t be able to switch into bioengineering easily.
UW, of course, is also a great school. Good luck with your decision!