<p>I have started narrowing down my list to UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, Fordham, Drexel, and UoP. Ignoring the other factors that I will have to consider when making my final decision (i.e. location, fin aid, etc.), which school would be best for the pre-med track?
Thanks for the advice :)</p>
<p>Any opinions out there? Feedback of any kind would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>It’d be really awesome if one of the approx. 263 viewers could reply. Just saying 
I don’t mean to be pushy, but I really need all the advice I can get.</p>
<p>We need more info…</p>
<p>Are you instate for the UCs?</p>
<p>What are your stats?</p>
<p>What will your major be?</p>
<p>Are you a junior making a list? Or are you a senior with these acceptances?</p>
<p>And, we can’t just ignore finances. You can’t “fine tune” a list without taking that into concern. If finances are a concern, then it’s possible that none would work.</p>
<p>How much will your family pay?</p>
<p>Yes, I am instate for the UCs. I’ve been accepted to these schools. The preliminary financial aid offers make any of these schools a possibility for my family.</p>
<p>If you want to ultimately go to a Calif SOM, then pick a Calif school. It will be too hard to do interviews across the country.</p>
<p>I think I’d pick Cal or UCLA.</p>
<p>Okay, I didn’t even think about that!
Do you think one of the two would be better than the other?</p>
<p>I’d be happy to give more info if anyone needs it!</p>
<p>Did any of the UCs give you a scholarship? Are any of the UCs more affordable/less out-of-pocket than others?</p>
<p>Did Fordham give you a scholarship? if so, is it substantial?</p>
<p>And do you, have any preferences? UCLA, UCSD, UCI all have med schools. You might be able to do research as an undergrad at those med schools. Same is true for Drexel but I would advise my kiddos to attend attend UCLA or UCSD before Drexel.</p>
<p>Which one are you those most excited about? </p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>Berkeley gave me a bit more aid. I got a $10000 scholarship from Fordham, plus some grants I believe.
The only 3 I’ve visited are Cal, LA, and SD. I was really careful not to get emotionally attached anywhere when I applied, so now it’s really difficult for me to say which schools I like more.</p>
<p>Bumpity bump!</p>
<p>Any other opinions? :)</p>
<p>The school that:</p>
<p>-You will enjoy living at
-You will have fun at
-You won’t have to pay a lot of money to attend
-The student body is around your level of achievement. (If you were accepted to Harvard, you don’t want to go to Hope International) </p>
<p>Those are usually the three criteria when choosing a school.</p>
<p>Hmmm, okay thanks!
I think I’ll have to decide between cal and ucla. I’m revisiting both next week, but as of now, I’m leaning towards Berkeley. And opinions on this?</p>
<p>Several CCers here (e.g., BDM) suggested it is better for a student NOT to attend a school that is not too close to your home (esp. when your parents have been taking care of you a little bit too well.)</p>
<p>It is rumored that premed advising at most UCs is in general not very good. But you can easily overcome this shortcoming.</p>
<p>I believe the public transportation in the bay area (e.g. BART) may be better than that in LA. But this may be my bias as I hate to drive on the free way in the LA area.</p>
<p>I do not believe that the fact that UCLA has an affiliated med school is an important one. You are wise to ignore this factor.</p>
<p>
Very good attitude. This attitude will serve you well when you apply to med schools.</p>
<p>I concur with Mcat2 on the part that the UC’s are generally not the best place for premed because the premed advising is kind of suckish, but he’s right again that it all depends on the student. They have A LOT of resources that would help you become a successful premed. You just have to know how to use them.</p>
<p>Thank you! I’m glad you think I’m considering my options wisely.
I live about an hour outside of downtown LA, so I know all about the traffic and lack of public transportation. I loved SF when I visited, and it does seem that they have better public transportation. Even though I love LA too, I’m hoping that the bay area will be far enough away for me to be independent without home being too inaccessible.
Also, do you have any advice on how to overcome the shortcomings of UC counseling?</p>
<p>The school that you personally like the best is the best. Also, the cheaper, the better, free is the best.</p>
<p>Just plan to stay on CC & SDN and not take anything any Cal or UCLA adviser says as being the only or the best advice.</p>
<p>Alright, so as long as I work hard and to my own research, I’ll be fine doing pre med at a UC?</p>