<p>that teacher is wrong - i'm sorry. i have never once heard any advice saying better grades at an easier level > not as good grades at a much more difficult college. the fact is, coming from a different state, berk has SO much credibility that none of the others have. granted, im not that educated on california schools but i cant believe that any of the other schools can even compare. the best advice ive gotten regarding making grades vs. harder classes is make the A at the harder college. imagine what kind of medical school you could go to if u did well at berkeley. i just dont think u should sell urself short to have it easier.</p>
<p>serena, there is no question about it. It depends.</p>
<p>Berkeley is prestigious, huge, and offers endless opportunities.</p>
<p>Wesleyan U is fairly prestigious, small, and does not offer as many opportunities as Berkeley.</p>
<p>Now as for small class sizes, I'm sure kyledavid and UCB will chime in soon - many of the classes are taught by professors, though the elementary ones are sometimes taught by TAs. The smaller discussion groups (around 20 - 30) will be headed by TAs which could turn out to be worse/better than professors.</p>
<p>In Wesleyan, all classes will be taught by professors. Hardly any lectures, just close up discussion and teaching everyday. It's a challenging environment in its own right - you have to prepare well for classes, and be prepared to engage in lively discussion with your fellow classmates. No where to hide.</p>
<p>As for the sinking or swimming part, there has been considerably lively debate between sakky and kyledavid/UCB. Check these threads out. UCB is definitely more Darwinian than Wesleyan. In Wesleyan, you will receive more personal attention and nurturing, but note this: this hardly implies coddling, the personal attention is one that expects a lot out of you - you can, and should, pursue self directed learning, together with the guidance and the discussion with your professors. There will be plenty of undergraduate opportunities for research - you won't need to look far to get it. In UCB...you will have to go out further to gain these opportunities, but if you are passionate enough, you'll definitely find them. Keep in mind that if you really want a broad research database and department, UCB will offer a lot more than Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Wesleyan is well known for its science programs.</p>
<p>What I've tried to say is that it is hardly a "no question. berkeley. no other school compares to it." Both schools will be amazing chances for you, but offer different environments and have different advantages and weaknesses. Pick the environment that you feel will help nurture you in te best possible way. If all else fails, go to where your heart lies. You've already done a lot of research and narrowed down all the very credible choices. It's time to look within yourself and choose.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!
Would it be a "waste" to go to ucsd instead of berkeley? is there a big difference between the two schools?</p>
<p>I am really considering wes, but in i decide to stay in state, i'll have to choose between usc, ucsd, and ucb, which, in all means, is a tough choice. </p>
<p>For med school admission, we need recs from profs, right? is it true that it would be harder to get on at a university because we really dont have much of a chance to get to know the profs?</p>
<p>There's a lengthy thread by college students, of things they've learned that they wish they knew before making the decision.</p>
<p>Over and over they talk about wishing they had stayed closer to home.</p>
<p>So, read the thread. I recommend staying closer to home.</p>
<p>It isn't black and white - you can transfer later. It's easier to stay closer to home, and then decide to go farther away.</p>
<p>It can be miserable to be a freshman, far from home.</p>
<p>hahah yeah, i was afraid of that.
do you know where i can find that thread?
thanks
oh.. btw
is it true that if i was applying to med school that undergrad research is not a big plus, or is not required?</p>
<p>Undergraduate research, while not required, seems to be becoming more of the norm rather than the exception. A ton of pre-med students research with the notion that "if everyone else is doing it so must I", but it's certainly not a requirement for med school (however, it is a plus, especially if you get yourself published).</p>
<p>And between your four schools, it pretty much comes down to fit. Berkeley is pretty difficult academically, but it's by no means impossible to get a high GPA. UCSD is also known to be pretty rigorous. USC isn't as strong in neuroscience, but the school seems to be getting better and better by the day. As for Wesleyan, if you're more into the liberal arts college experience, you should look into it.</p>
<p>As a final thought, I used to be pre-med here but decided to change (not for academic reasons, I just think law is a better fit for me). Courses like O-chem and Biology/Chemical Biology are pretty tough here, but if you stay on top it's not too hard to earn an A =P</p>
<p>serena, the link to the thread mentioned is here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/471442-freshman-year-college-almost-over-what-i-wish-i-had-known-before.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/471442-freshman-year-college-almost-over-what-i-wish-i-had-known-before.html</a></p>
<p>I would pick UCB over UCSD. Berkeley is one of those really great schools, and yes, I think it would be a waste to turn them down.</p>
<p>thanks D.T.
I know, but I am still profusely turned off by the whole "I need to to destroy you" atmosphere that seems to be pervading Berkeley's premed people...
I've asked around school, and many are either also victims of extreme exaggeration, or just right.
can you either give me reassurance or correct me if im wrong?</p>
<p>Okay now im down to usc and ucsd... usc is offering way more money. i have to pay about 2500 more at ucsd in loans and such.
is this difference in money worth picking usc over ucsd?</p>
<p>could someone please give advice?</p>
<p>Berkeley has the best university for the best cost going for it. What I am most concerned about is your "teacher": "a teacher recommended me not to go to Berkeley because he said that it would be tougher, if not impossible, for me to get a really high GPA, compared to an "easier" school as UCSD." </p>
<p>1) UCSD is a top flight school in the sciences and I do not think it is easier.
2) Med schools look at your undergrad school and weigh it. Berkeley would outweigh UCSD. You won't be able to screw up at UCSD whereas at Berkeley not everyone is going to be perfect due to the competition
3) Pre Med is highly competitive EVERYWHERE so there is no easy way to med school. </p>
<p>Overall you sound a bit worried about going to Wesleyan which ironically might be the best fit for you since you liked Pomona so much. If they really really were interested in recruiting you they would pay for your trip out there.</p>
<p>My Choice: Cal</p>
<p>... usc or ucsd? usc is actually cheaper!
but im considering that usc is private, which means more bang, i guess. im just worried that academics arent on par with sd.</p>
<p>Cal way over USC and UCSD which are the same academically. I would choose USC just to get the "major university" experience you would not get at UCSD. (Social scene, sports, school spirit, etc)</p>
<p>thats true.. hmm.. gosh its so hard to decide!
i have one day.
ucsd is crazy for neuroscience from what i've heard, but is usc on the same par as that? as in, what will i be giving up for usc?</p>
<p>Go to the one that "feels right" to you. You will get a good education in any of them if you study hard and take advantage of the opportunities.</p>
<p>thanks! I've already submitted an sir to ucsd, but now im having doubt.. which is bad--i could still submit to usc, right?
but i was so certain about ucsd until now, a day before everything, after usc gave a small scholarship. ucsd is so expensive.</p>
<p>yeah you just lose your money for the sir. just tell them USC came up with more money that is a completely legitimate reason to rescind your SIR.</p>
<p>
[quote]
2) Med schools look at your undergrad school and weigh it. Berkeley would outweigh UCSD. You won't be able to screw up at UCSD whereas at Berkeley not everyone is going to be perfect due to the competition
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is completely false. Med school does not care about undergrad school reputation. The people that give you advice are from UCs. Check out the aamc website on the percentage of people apply from undergraduate institution.</p>
<p>if you are white it's less than 30%. Your teacher is correct.</p>
<p>While USC has nearly 50% acceptance rate and UCSD has about the same. In fact for medical school, it does not matter what you study. Study whatever major that gives you the best grade. This board is full of people who are prestige conscious and they do not look at the big picture. The big picture is go to school that gives you the best chance for acceptance to medical school.</p>