<p>check the stats of those admitted to and attending UCLA and UCSD's med schools versus Northwestern's med school. Northwestern has a good med school, nothing against it, but its average class stats are significantly lower than those of UCLA and UCSD. Northwestern is clearly an elite med school, but its class is not of the level of UCLA and UCSD. I believe that is what the poster most likely meant. But clearly Northwestern is not an average medical school.</p>
<p>State subsidized med schools in a big state like California will have an advantage attracting students over an expensive private school. It does not mean it is "better" although UCLA is excellent and UCSD is very good.</p>