where should I go for undergrad? UCSB or UC Davis?

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dees2007

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hi, i'm a prospective pre-med student (bio, history, physics or psychology major?), and I'm having trouble deciding where to go for undergrad. I've narrowed it down to UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis, but I'm not sure which would be a better choice for me. It seems to me that both schools are similar in acadademic reputation and prestige. If I chose Davis I'll be closer to home/family (2-2.5 hours from home, and SB is 4-4.5 hours away), but it seems like SB would be a cooler place to attend (great social scene, the location is awesome with the beach and the mountains nearby, and overall students just seem happier here). One thing that also concerns me is that UCSB doesn't have a med school, so this could be a disadvantage...I'm pretty unsure about this, so if anyone would elaborate on this specifically I'd appreciate it (are there still opportunities for clinical/hospital volunteering at UCSB?). Another plus for Davis is that I have a few friends that will be going there, but none of my current close friends will be attending SB. A friend of mine told me that UC Davis has better med school placement than SB, so I'd be better off going there if I'm serious about med school (*if* this is true, I think it's because Davis has way more pre-med students than SB, but I could be wrong). So would it be advantageous for me to just go to Davis for this reason? Which one should I pick? :confused: Give me your opinion. hmm...so I think that sums up most of my thoughts on the issue, so I'd appreciate it, if anyone could give me some advice or info (especially Davis or SB students). Thanks in advance.

:love:

-Dees
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the schools are comparable- do not pick one because you think it will help you get into med school. you're supposed to have fun in college, and if you do the work, you'll be able to get in coming from either one. so if you think santa barbara would be more fun, go for it. just don't smoke too much weed down there and party too much (do a healthy amount of both. moderation is the key), it's easy to get caught up in that scene there. that's probably why davis sends more to med school then UCSB.
 
Wow. This is the same predicament I was in when I was deciding on colleges. Well, by my username, you can figure out which school I attended. :D

UCSB, has a *great* social scene. Isla Vista is second to none in small college towns with great parties. The last street in IV closest to the ocean, Del Playa (DP) is something I can't describe, you'd have to experience it for yourself, preferably at Halloween...:)

I'm a pre-med here, and let me say that there is a pretty good size pre-med population here. The Bio department I'd say is pretty good, and we have many services (including a free tutorial service that re-lectures on class material) to help pre-meds out. Our Health Advising office (which I work in) provides a valuable service to applying students, and helps one manage the application process.

The only disadvantage about UCSB is probably there is too much to do, which can be a little distracting at times. You get used to it though, and learn how to study even when there is a lot of stuff going on.

I almost chose UCD, for many of the same reasons you stated above. It was closer to home, friends were going there,etc. I'd say Davis has a larger pre-med community, but it is no better or worse that Santa Barbara's in the way is prepares you for med school.

Therefore, I'd say choose whichever school you want, but if you would like to stay closer to home and be near your friends/family, choose Davis. If that is not a pressing concern and you want to live in SoCal for awhile, go to SB.

I quickly missed Northern California when I started here, but loved the school. Thats why I want to go to Davis or SF for med school to be closer to home, but don't let that effect your decision unless that is important to you.
 
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Oh yeah I almost forgot.

There are countless volunteer opportunities here in Santa Barbara.

There are 3 Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) and each provides healthcare for the underserved community here. I volunteer at one of them, and let me say that it is one reason why I want to be a doctor, its that rewarding.

At UC Davis, as you might now, there are the Student-run clinics of the med school, that has undergrads volunteering at them as well. Here, they each are targeted to a different ethnic group in the Sacramento area.

Nonetheless, I'd say you'd get great volunteer experience at either school. :D
 
I went to UCSB as a freshman from out of state and HATED it. I transferred out after my first quarter. I met a lot of pre-meds while I was there, and I'd say at least half of them were on the verge of flunking out by the time I left in December. I'm not saying it's a bad place, or that people don't succeed there, but it's such a party school that if you're easily distracted, it could be hard to focus on your studies. Might want to think twice about going there if that's your situation! Plus, I'm sure it's possible to have a lot of fun at Davis too.

On the other hand, UCSB is a really beautiful campus. But personally, that wouldn't be my main criteria in choosing a college.

The Greek scene was huge at UCSB when I was there, so whether or not that's your thing that's also an issue you might want to be thinking about.

Good luck whatever you decide!
 
I went to Davis and completely loved it. I constantly wish I was still there. :p Opportunities for Pre-Meds are outstanding since UCDMC is so close and such a good hospital. It's really easy to get to know profs because everyone is just so open and friendly (this applies to undergrads, grad students, profs, and the whole town), and I found the teaching level to be excellent. One downside to there being so many Pre-Meds, however, is that it's probably hard to get into the pre-med classes (unless you're a regents scholar and then you get into whatever you want ;) ). If you're from a big city and used to that level of activity Davis will seem boring. There's really not tons to do. Not that the town's completely dead, but if you decide to go out at 3am you'll be one of the only people on the road. This didn't bug me because I was from a similarly sized city, but I heard a lot of complaints from other people over this.

Quite a bit of what I said above most likely applies to Santa Barbara (besides the not having stuff to do part), but I really know nothing about UCSB.
 
You will MOST CERTAINLY have a better time at SB. The problem is that most people have too good a time. I know five people who went to SB and two of them flunked out and one trasferred to Davis. They were bright people but they got caught up in the party scene which is impossible to avoid there. I went to Davis and it fit me just fine. Its quiet compared to most college campuses but a good time can be had. You can get work done in peace and then go find the party...In SB the party finds you. Don't get me wrong I love to visit SB and if you can focus despite all the partying then by all means, but for a pre-med I think the smart choice is Davis. Good luck!
 
Originally posted by memoryless
I went to Davis and completely loved it. I constantly wish I was still there. :p Opportunities for Pre-Meds are outstanding since UCDMC is so close and such a good hospital.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call a twenty minute drive to Sacramento "close" for getting to the UCDMC hospital. :) :)

Yours,
 
As a current UCD student, I would have to say there are plenty of opportunities here to get involved with the medical field -- everything from student-run clinics to internships within a 15-20 mile radius. There are always talks/forums going on to help give you insight on med school as well as preparatory workshops. The advisors here are always here to help go over applications, personal statements, etc. There are also plenty of research opportunities if you're interested in that.

As far as the town of Davis I have to admit I found it somewhat boring the first couple of months, but I think you have to learn to adjust. I came to enjoy the small-town, close-knit feel of the community. I think it's safe to say there aren't very many places where the student population exceeds the town population.
 
Originally posted by JPaikman
I wouldn't call a twenty minute drive to Sacramento "close" for getting to the UCDMC hospital. :) :)
Click to expand...

In California 20 minutes is pretty close. In San Diego, as long as my work commute is less than 45 minutes each way I consider it no big deal. I'm sure opinions on that vary a lot depending on the state and the individual, though. :)

lyzzie: Did you know UCD has a pretty high amount of students who either stay in Davis after they graduate or move away and then eventually come back? I think a lot of people fall in love with the place.
 
Originally posted by memoryless
One downside to there being so many Pre-Meds, however, is that it's probably hard to get into the pre-med classes (unless you're a regents scholar and then you get into whatever you want ;) ).
Click to expand...

I don't think this is necessarily true. In the past four years that I have been at Davis, I have never encountered this problem. Perhaps I didn't get a time slot that I preferred but I was always able to get into the classes.
 
Thanks everyone for all the comments and info; it was very helpful (especially UCSBPre-Med1). I just got back from visiting SB today, and as of now I'm definitely leaning more towards this school. Anyway, if any other posters would still like to add anything to what other SB and Davis students have mentioned then please do so.
:D

-Dees
 
I know a few from both places... some of the guys from davis wished they went somewhere else because they were more into the big city environment. the people at ucsb(7 of them) said they were having the time of their life.

if i had to choose, i'd say ucsb for the location and fun factor.
 
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I go to Davis and I can't really get myself to tell you any great things about this place. If it were up to me, I'd go to UCSB. But, as some others said, theres a big possiblity of getting distracted there. I know a girl who was premed there and flunked out, but same goes for everywhere I guess. I've noticed that alot of people on here have good things to say about Davis and thats cool, but almost everyone I talk to that lives here really doesn't like it and they can't wait to get out of here. I may be biased, but I've been to SB, never lived there, but I liked it a lot better than here. I think both of the schools will pretty much offer the same things, but just go where you'll be happier. Ok, Just to balance out my negativity, heres some things that are cool about this place: A great local band called "the Brodys," the awesome Med Center and all the opportunities associated with it, I've met some really cool people here, you'll be closer to your family, uhh damn, i was hoping I could come up with more reasons, but I guess I can't, sorry.

p.s. theres no way the chicks from sorority life were "banging"
 
Originally posted by allenn
Well Dees,

I think a really important question is whether your male or female. Because if your a guy I think the choice is quite simple.

UC DAVIS!!!!!!!! THOSE CHICKS ON MTVS SOROTIES GIRLS ARE BANGING!!!!!

:clap:
Click to expand...

uhh...yeah, sure. I'll definitely take that into consideration. :laugh:
 
I was in a similar situation as you a year ago... except for me it was deciding on a graduate school for engineering. I ended up choosing UCSB based mostly on location, and I'm glad I did. SB is a great town, and I get to surf ~4 hours/day, which is something you definately can't do in Davis!
 
HMMHM HOT/DRY AND FLAT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE VS COASTAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.....HMMMM
DAVIS IS ABOUT 5 MINUTES FROM HELL......
 
I'd go with UCSB... there really isn't a big enough difference between the schools academically to base your choice solely on that. The location of UCSB is great.
 
Quoting myself from another thread:

Dude, it's the same damn school, just one is by the beach and the other is in a field. Pick damnit. No, med schools really couldn't give a crap.
 
there is a difference when it comes to academics between UCD and UCSB. the better UCs are UCLA, UCB, UCD, and UCSD. so i don't know why you people are confused on that point.

i would certainly go to UCD over UCSB if my idiot roomates who transferred from UCSB are any indiction of that school.

UCD has lots of medical opportunities and a good portion of the classes at top medical schools are from UCD and the other top UC schools. UCD has a system down for getting people into medical school.
definitely UCD.
 
Claiming that UCD far outshines UCSB academically is ridiculous. Maybe to YOU that is the case but I and everyone I have ever spoken to seems to agree that the two schools are probably the two most similar UC's when it comes to academics. Besides, most of their undergrad. stats are nearly identical. And I also do remember people in high school getting rejected from SB but getting into Davis.
 
Everyone I've spoken to says that UCD and UCSD are the most similar UCs. As far as academic ranking, UCB and UCLA are above them, and UCSC, UCSB, UCI, and UCR are below. So if academics was the only consideration, it'd be UCD.
 
well i disagree quagmire.
my roomates had such a hard time at UCD after tranferring from UCSB where academics were "easier". even UCSB faculty that i interviewed hinted at it.
i think UCSD and UCD are similiar in academics also.
having a medical center is very useful and the town of davis is full of medically related opportunities.
i would say davis again. the most represented UC school in my med school class is UCD.
 
rajneel1...


What are you talking about?

UCSB might not be on the same level academically as UCLA, Berkeley, or UCSD, but we are still ranked in the US News Top 50.

Santa Barbara is a great school, and the rankings with Davis are pretty comparable (both in the 40s).

Just because you had some dumb friends transfer from SB does not mean that the student body as a whole isn't intelligent.

I don't think you know too much about my school, and the three nobel laureates we've had in the last few years. Why don't you try doing a little research besides asking some random people at your school.

UCSB is a great institute of higher learning. If you can study here, with all the distractions we have, you can study anywhere. :D
 
UCSB premed....

all of the UCs are good. some have better opportunities than others. i don't think you know enough about my school either.
 
Originally posted by rajneel1
there is a difference when it comes to academics between UCD and UCSB. the better UCs are UCLA, UCB, UCD, and UCSD. so i don't know why you people are confused on that point.
Click to expand...

Most other people don't see it this way. I've always had the impression that UCSB, UCD, and UCI are very similar in academics and prestige.
 
Originally posted by dees2007
Most other people don't see it this way. I've always had the impression that UCSB, UCD, and UCI are very similar in academics and prestige.
Click to expand...


yeah. me too. ucd might have a *slight* edge over the others, but not enough to make it a major concern. when i applied to college, ucd was my backup. i had debated between it and ucsb. that's not meant to put down these schools in any way -- just to show that in my mind (whatever that's worth ;)), the schools were on pretty equal footing. ucla and ucsd were the other two uc's i applied to, and i felt a need to include another school that was slightly less competitive to get into. ucsd and ucd do not have the same academic reputation, though you can get a great education at either i'm sure.
 
Update: I'll be attending UCSB next year.

Thanks.
 
Man! You're gonna have a GREAT time.

If you want to have the dorm experience of your life, live in Francisco Torres. Write it down--trust me.

Live in the notorioius Isla Vista after that, and have a blast. UCSB is a great place. Also, make sure you keep your grades up, and study. If you can handle all of the distractions that SB brings, you'll be able to study for anything.

Good luck, and Go GAUCHOS!

C/O '03
 
Cool, thanks for the tip, UCSB. I'm REALLY looking forward to it. I'll be having fun and studying hard; this should be a great experience. :D
 
Good choice. I had to basically make the same decision (UCSB vs UCD vs UCSD). See ya next year. :clap:
 
Thanks for sharing...:rolleyes:
 
Hey UCSBPreMed, I'm just messing around. I went to UCSB for 2 years before I transferred to UCLA and my fiance graduated PreMed from UCSB herself last year. Gauchos are still very cool!
 
Well sorry if I didn't think that was funny...
 
Why don't you go to a school outside of california?
 
No problem, a part of me will always miss beautiful Santa Barbara... oh and I did live in FT freshman year too, so I second the suggestion to check it out, its a true college experience!
 
Originally posted by indo
Why don't you go to a school outside of california?
Click to expand...

Who?
 
I went to both UCD and UCSB, and I would have to say that UCSB was a lot better. Academically the schools are similar, except UCD is a lot more competitive. It seemed like everyone that I took Chem 2 with was a premed student and everyone was shooting for the A at any cost. UCSB on the other hand was a lot more laid back and people were a lot friendlier. I took physics at UCSB and I never felt the same sense of competition with my classmates.

UCSB is definitely more fun. I can't emphasize to you how amazing it was to live on the beach. UCD was alright, there was a social scene, but it was nothing in comparison.

As far as medical opportunities go, all I have to say is that you are young, and at the begining of your long hard road. Don't worry about what school is going to have better internships right now. Pick a college that you are genuinely excited about, because this is going to be one of the best times of your life. You are going to have to work hard at either place, and your chances of getting into med school will be the same at either place. I have a lot of friends who are in med school and are UCSB grads, so don't feel like UCSB would hinder you in any way.

I have just finished my second year of med school, and I can tell you that it really doesn't matter where you come from. In my class some of the brightest students are from places like UCSB and other less known colleges, and at the other end some of the people who struggled the most have come from Ivy league colleges. My point is not that any school is better than the other, it's what you make of it.

Good luck with your choice, and have fun, that's what college is all about.
 
Originally posted by indo
Why don't you go to a school outside of california?
Click to expand...

If you're asking me...

I don't want to be too far from my family and friends yet, and I really like a lot of things about California (eh, there are plenty of other reasons too).
 
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