<p>I would be entering the college of letters & sciences in both UCLA & Cal as "undecided in the physical sciences." But I have decided to take the path of pre-med in whichever college I go to (so probably a major in BioChem or Chem) with a double major or minor in sociology. Which college would give me the best education and research opportunities in the fields I want to pursue as an undergraduate? & does either school have a better reputation in sending more students to medical school after graduation? Thanks.</p>
<p>This was somewhat discussed on this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/692949-ucla-ucsf.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/692949-ucla-ucsf.html</a></p>
<p>I don’t have any more information myself.</p>
<p>I think UC Berkeley’s College of Chemistry is supposed to be exceptionally good. A girl from my school came here and kind of attributes all the incredible growth she has had since high school (as a student and mind) to Berkeley’s Chem-E program. The COC is generally very good, so that’s a consideration. </p>
<p>The fact that you’re not in the COC coming into Cal is another story; I’d figure out how easy it is to transfer. Berkeley has an advantage over LA if you’re <em>extremely</em> academically serious about subjects it’s very good at. For instance, some forms of engineering. You could be just as good going to LA because the individual makes his/her own success in my firm opinion, but in terms of the courses and offerings, Berkeley might be better for Chemistry.</p>
<p>They’re both good schools, but if you go to Cal, you might want to transfer to CoC … which is a pretty hectic and lengthy process (transfers to CoC and CoE are extremely hard).
In terms of research, both schools offer great and amazing opportunities. Cal is right next to UCSF, so you can go do research there (but you have to be the top of your class - since research opportunities are extremely competitive in Cal). That kinda goes the same for UCLA, but there are more research institutes nearby (the UCLA Health System consist of 4 medical centers - all of them are renowned worldwide. Another famous research institute is the California NanoSystems Institute. Check here for all the research labs at UCLA: [UCLA</a> Research Centers, Labs and Institutes](<a href=“http://www.research.ucla.edu/labs/index.htm]UCLA”>http://www.research.ucla.edu/labs/index.htm)).
If you’re serious about your work, very competitive, and want to learn absolutely everything about your major, then Berkeley is right for you. So Berkeley is the choice to go for the better education.
However research opportunities … I would like to say UCLA has more research opportunities available and its easier to get in (because it’s less competitive). I did an research program once at the UCLA Ronald Regan Medical Center and they were actually accepting everyone who applied. So it’s easier to get research opportunities in UCLA.
In my personal opinion, Cal is the best at Engineering related majors while UCLA is the best at pre-med related majors.</p>
<p>My take on it, from another thread:</p>
<p>Between Cal and UCLA, here’s my take on it, being engaged to a med student:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You will likely not end up “going through” with med school plans. Yes, you. I know, you’ve wanted to be a doctor since you were a zygote. Reality shows that most people hit “weeder hell” and go, “WTH is this?” Or, you may just decide that you really love doing research on (insert field here.) That is not bad. Welcome to the med school process. </p></li>
<li><p>GPA and MCAT are the most important factors. Med school is largely a numbers game. Even with the numbers and the big name, you can end up screwed your first round. Again, welcome to the process. </p></li>
<li><p>Roughly speaking, the difference between UCLA or Cal when it comes to med school apps is going to be negligible enough that you shouldn’t go to one or the other just to make a good impression on an adcom that you’ll probably never meet. Worry more about having a good 4 or 5 years. Being happy will allow you better grades, which allows for a better app, etc. See what I did there? I let you be happy AND do what it takes to get into med school. </p></li>
<li><p>In reality, unless you are really concerned with being a pompous twit all of the time (I occasionally like to be a pompous twit, for the record), nobody in “the REAL world” really cares all that much about UCLA vs. Cal.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I know, I know. CC is REAL, YO. But really, it’s not. I’ve had a few post-school jobs now, and I never got the sense that if ONLY I had gone to BERKELEY I would be a super famous awesome guy. The reality is that I’m super famous and awesome regardless of the letters after my name (I have a lot). So are you. You’re special and unique and awesome like every other person on this forum.</p>
<ol>
<li>Stop worrying about things that are POSSIBLY going to happen 4 or 5 years down the line and worry more about how to be happy for the next 4 or 5 years. If you think Cal or UCLA will both suffice, then visit both campuses. Talk to students. If one campus strikes you as being a “bad fit,” then DON’T GO. Simple enough, right?</li>
</ol>
<p>Finally, consider cost. I know you’re going to be super rich brain surgeon awesome guy, but reality shows us that most MDs end up in fields other than super rich brain surgeon awesome. This is just how it is. This is not a bad thing. However, do not plan your medical education on the notion that you will make UBER MONIES after med school. Even $150K starts being a fairly small amount of money when you have nearly that much in debt.</p>
<p>And you probably will. Welcome to med school. That said, don’t be ashamed of considering the cost of your undergrad education. If you can avoid debt, then DO IT. Besides, referring back to rule #1 tells us that you definitely don’t want lots of debt just for med school, which may not happen at all.</p>
<p>Most importantly, have fun. You have great choices, and any one should be a blast. Even if you don’t become super happy works only three hours a day dermatologist, you have a great four years ahead of you. Take advantage of them.</p>