hi! I was accepted to both UCLA and USC for biochem and was wondering if anybody had some advice about either school that might help me make my decision. I am NOT pre-med and am transferring as a junior from a California CC!
Both are fine schools so if money is not a factor then pick the one you like better for whatever reason(s).
If you aren’t premed then what are you planning on doing after getting your degree? There is a glut of science PhDs (spend a few minutes and look it up online yourself) and the impact rolls downhill. The job market for a BS in Biochem is not very good; many people will be looking at jobs in labs that are not well paying and with little opportunity for advancement.
To build a career in the sciences you usually need a PhD and even then it is no sure thing. To return to the original question, the key to getting into a good PhD program (should you choose that path) is to have taken part in research as an undergrad so you have experience and get good recs. At either school the difference is going to be on what you do in terms of seeking out these opportunities. Nobody is going to come to you and suggest you work in their lab.