B.S. from Cal State vs. UC

[Amoureux]

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Hello SDN! I'm sorry if this question has been asked before (I'm almost sure it has ), but I would like to get some insight about my current situation.

I attended a local community college and I am now at a point in the road where I need to choose a school to transfer to. Based on where I live, I have narrowed down my choices to either UCI or CSULB. Now my question is this, when it comes time to apply to dental schools, will it matter where I attended school to earn my B.S?

I'm sure both schools offer a great education, but for some reason I have always believed that there is a little bit more prestige in going to a UC vs. a Cal State. As of now I am leaning towards attending CSULB since it is a lot cheaper than UCI. I will be paying for the remainder of my undergraduate degree with my own money, and I'm scared that if I were to attend UCI, I would be consumed with work just to keep afloat.

What are the pros and cons of choosing a UC over a Cal State (if there is any)? And would California dental schools look down upon the fact that I attended a Cal State vs. a UC?

Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear your input soon.

 

[anishannayya]

Use the search feature...

Personally, if money was an issue I would choose CSULB (~ 15K for last 2 years). Or you can join me at Irvine. 🙂

 

[Hareezy]

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if it matters where you go to school. I'm sure that everyone will tell you that as long as you get those A's you have a good shot of getting in no matter your undergrad institution. I would not attend UCI for prestige. (I'm not sure it is very prestigious to begin with.)

However, I attended Cal Poly Pomona originally for undergrad and transferred to UCI when I switched my major to Biology from Engineering. One reason I transferred was research. There are many more opprotunities to do research at UCI. There is a program where you are able to do research for a faculty sponsor and earn a letter grade for your work. (You will need to put in the hours but it is an easy upper div bio A) I would attend for this reason alone. Another reason I preferred UCI is the curriculum. I feel it was much more challenging and more geared toward prepping you for post graduate education. Also, keep in mind that almost all of your science classes at UCI will be curved. While this makes for a pretty competitive atmosphere at least you know an A is possible. I remember taking classes at Cal Poly where no one in the class got an A. I hope my opinion helps.

 

[Amoureux]

Thank you everyone for your honest replies/PMs! Does UCI have a big pre-dental community/student body? And if you work, how many hours do you dedicate to your job while still being a full time student?

 

[dmitriyivanov]

UC All the way!👍

 

[dentalaee]

Ah not this debate again... Either school is fine in getting into a dental school. Choose wisely! Remember it is not where you went for school - it is about you.

 

[peerless218]

I graduated from a CSU school and we have people getting into the UCLA, the UCSF and even Harvard before. Just work hard no matter where you attend schools.

For some reason I feel like this is my 3rd or 4th time typing the exact same sentence.

 

[dentalaee]

I graduated from a CSU school and we have people getting into the UCLA, the UCSF and even Harvard before. Just work hard no matter where you attend schools.

For some reason I feel like this is my 3rd or 4th time typing the exact same sentence.

Hahahaha peerless.. I feel the same... Aren't u guys starting soon.

 

[peerless218]

Hahahaha peerless.. I feel the same... Aren't u guys starting soon.

yes sir, we start on July 9th 🙂 or at least that's the inaug date for us.

 

[476515678234896]

if you want to go to a california dental school: UC > CSU (uc status will help)
anywhere outside california: UC ≥ CSU (uc status will help...but less people know about it)

 

[Amoureux]

Ah not this debate again... Either school is fine in getting into a dental school. Choose wisely! Remember it is not where you went for school - it is about you.

I understand this is a loaded question, but thank you everyone for keeping your replies drama free!

👍

 

[dmitriyivanov]

I graduated from a CSU school and we have people getting into the UCLA, the UCSF and even Harvard before. Just work hard no matter where you attend schools.

For some reason I feel like this is my 3rd or 4th time typing the exact same sentence.

Hi Peerless, I didnt think that SD State is considered a Cal State.
And wow UOP starts that early, no summer break at all.

Hey Dan, arent you glad that we start late Sep👍

 

[peerless218]

Hi Peerless, I didnt think that SD State is considered a Cal State.
And wow UOP starts that early, no summer break at all.

Hey Dan, arent you glad that we start late Sep👍

ya..applied through the CSU applications......About UOP, good thing I am already on my 2nd year off so there won't be any problem when it comes to BURNING OUT. 👍

 

[dentalaee]

Haha