Help me build my pathway

[gibson777]

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Hey guys, I am a High School Senior and going to be going down a Pre Med path. Right now I am so confused and lost in the application process and a bit discouraged. Initially I wanted to go to Stanford or somewhere else amazing, but I realized having a 3.9 and a 30 ACT score wasn't going to cut it at all unfortunately, nor do I have the money to go there. My grades should have been higher but I had a lot of issues with teachers but it is too late now.

Now I am realistically weighing my options what will be the best for my future and save me money while also getting a good education. I am looking at going to my Community College and transferring, but there is a huge problem with getting problems, although I would probably play golf and get priority. I was also going to apply to UCI, UCLA, UCSD, UCD. I really don't know where else to apply, assuming I have a chance of admission. I wanted to apply to the University of Chicago and Northwestern but not sure if I want to leave California. I was also thinking of the 'easier' schools like U of A etc.

If anyone could guide me or give me some advice that'd be great, I'm pretty lost and don't really have anyone to go to for help. Thanks! If anymore info is needed let me know~!

 

[flatearth22]

Check out hSDN - http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=420

This board is more for undergrads.

Also I'd go with UCI. Less competition than UCLA or UCB and they have great resources and very good advising (from what I hear of the handful of premed friends I have there).

 

[235788]

Hey guys, I am a High School Senior and going to be going down a Pre Med path. Right now I am so confused and lost in the application process and a bit discouraged. Initially I wanted to go to Stanford or somewhere else amazing, but I realized having a 3.9 and a 30 ACT score wasn't going to cut it at all unfortunately, nor do I have the money to go there. My grades should have been higher but I had a lot of issues with teachers but it is too late now.

Now I am realistically weighing my options what will be the best for my future and save me money while also getting a good education. I am looking at going to my Community College and transferring, but there is a huge problem with getting problems, although I would probably play golf and get priority. I was also going to apply to UCI, UCLA, UCSD, UCD. I really don't know where else to apply, assuming I have a chance of admission. I wanted to apply to the University of Chicago and Northwestern but not sure if I want to leave California. I was also thinking of the 'easier' schools like U of A etc.

If anyone could guide me or give me some advice that'd be great, I'm pretty lost and don't really have anyone to go to for help. Thanks! If anymore info is needed let me know~!

lol start studying for the MCAT now, you'll need a 34+ being a cali res 😛

My advice, go to an easier state school so you can be a big fish in a small pond. You'll look back and thank yourself.

 

[gibson777]

Check out hSDN - http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=420

This board is more for undergrads.

Also I'd go with UCI. Less competition than UCLA or UCB and they have great resources and very good advising (from what I hear of the handful of premed friends I have there).

I didn't see that...thanks! If a mod could move this over though I'd appreciate it. If not I'll take advice from here. 👍

 

[Stumpyman]

If you're going to be independent (financially), and don't mind leaving the state, follow up on going to Chicago/Illinois (less hurdles in the end).

 

[coyotelime]

Go to a UC school to save money and if you work hard and do well on your MCAT/in school you'll still be fine when application time rolls around.

 

[Morsetlis]

Don't forget the NADH and NADPH from your pathway. Also, remember cofactors, vitamins, and where in the cell or body the pathway takes place. Plus regulators.

 

[aSagacious]

Moving to hSDN.

 

[anbuitachi]

you may want to reconsider the not wanting to move out of Cali part. Truth is cali is probably the most competitive state for medical school. There are a LOT of applicants and not enough schools in california. Thats why 25% of NY medical schools are cali students.

 

[Valadi]

Don't go to a community college. The schools you mentioned would all be fine, but why limit yourself? For a 30$ application just apply across the board and see where you stick.

 

[ksmajmudar]

I will echo my colleagues' sentiments and advise you to go to university out of california, and make that your state of residence as you apply to medical schools. It's much more competitive to be a california resident compared to other states.

Additionally: don't go for a crazy school like stanford. Unless you have the money/scholarships to pay for it, it's just going to end up being a waste of loans. If you were doing something like econ or something, I can understand that. For your pre-med undergrad, it essentially makes no bearing on where you do your schooling. The cheaper and easier the better - get 4.0 for as cheap as possible, score a 30+ on your MCAT, get some good ECs, and you'll be fine.

 

[MsDeterminded]

Question
Is your GPA weighted or unweighted? and personally I would kill to get a 30 on ACT. Congratulations! 😀 Where I'm from people through a party if you get pass 15. (I have personally never taken it yet)
As far as your college pathway goes, don't worry too much about prestige.
Cost, Comfort, and Capability of being flexible(basically your able to keep balance in your life between EC and Work) are the top 3 C's I always look at when looking at colleges.
Good luck and remember as a pre-med you have a long way ahead of you, so enjoy every year you can, without going overboard of course. 😉

 

[gibson777]

Thanks for the info so far. A few questions though, when you say pursue out of state options do you mean for med school or my first four years?

Also, my GPA is weighted. My unweighted is around 3.75 or so. Like I said, I've had some serious issues with teachers. But I still feel my grades are decent.

 

[Slowpoke]

Best deal in education:

2 years at a California Commuity College
Transfer to a University of California school.
Stay for 2-3 years to complete the degree.

Depending on your academic performance history, it will determine where you end up being accepted. Go to the school that you think will be the best fit. I transferred to UCI over UCR due to the proximity to my favorite beach break, obviously we all have different reasons but you can't go wrong with any of the UCs they are all great schools and as long as you do well after you transfer and rock the MCAT you should be fine.

 

[gibson777]

Best deal in education:

2 years at a California Commuity College
Transfer to a University of California school.
Stay for 2-3 years to complete the degree.

Depending on your academic performance history, it will determine where you end up being accepted. Go to the school that you think will be the best fit. I transferred to UCI over UCR due to the proximity to my favorite beach break, obviously we all have different reasons but you can't go wrong with any of the UCs they are all great schools and as long as you do well after you transfer and rock the MCAT you should be fine.

This is what I am thinking. But one problem is my CC is so damn packed and it is almost impossible to get classes and get out of there in two years. But I play golf and I go play there I get priority registration so that may be an option. Plus I am not sure if I am ready to leave home but if I do I plan on going to UCI or UCSD, which I have friends that are applying there too. I think I should tour UCI and see how comfortable I feel about it. How is the attitude there? Is it relatively quiet or is there some action? What is your workload like? Sorry for all the questions, just curious.

If going to the CC will not affect me in anyway I guess it would be a could test and give me time to settle into my interest/career pursuit.

 

[Slowpoke]

This is what I am thinking. But one problem is my CC is so damn packed and it is almost impossible to get classes and get out of there in two years. But I play golf and I go play there I get priority registration so that may be an option. Plus I am not sure if I am ready to leave home but if I do I plan on going to UCI or UCSD, which I have friends that are applying there too. I think I should tour UCI and see how comfortable I feel about it. How is the attitude there? Is it relatively quiet or is there some action? What is your workload like? Sorry for all the questions, just curious.

If going to the CC will not affect me in anyway I guess it would be a could test and give me time to settle into my interest/career pursuit.

Yeah, one of the drawbacks to the CC route is that sometimes it is difficult to get into some of the classes that you need to progress, mainly because there is a high demand but limited seats (but this is NOT unique to CCs, the labs at UCI are notoriously difficult to get into - they just fill up SO FAST). However, it is absolutely possible to finish on time given these circumstances.

My tips would be:
-Plan ahead, know what classes you will sign up for BEFORE your window opens so you increase your chances of securing a seat.
-Take summer school if you end up not being successful in petitioning for a seat.
-Petition if necessary
-Don't be afraid to stay an extra year if you need to. Transfer students to UCI stay on average about 3 years. Therefore, undergrad = 5 years. I finished in 5 years, but it is possible to finish in 4 years (several of the people I transferred with did).
-Utilize Ratemyprofessor.com to find professors you should steer away from and professors you should absolutely take, if done correctly you will start to realize all of the interesting things out there in the world (I found plant biology to be amazingly interesting solely because of the person teaching it).

I can't speak of the academic life at UCSD, but am able to touch upon UCI. There are great opportunities available to anteaters, but it is likely you will need a car if you plan on doing hospital volunteering (or utilize the UCI anteater express system) . Some hospitals that UCI students often volunteer at are UCI's hospital (in orange ~15 miles away), Hoag Hospital (in newport beach ~10 miles away), CHOC (in Santa Ana ~15 miles away). Research opportunities are readily available here too, but that will be up to you to find and secure a position.

The workload will be dependent on if you want to stay for 2 or 3 years. On average I took about 2-3 actual courses and did research. You obviously will have to ramp that up if you want to finish in 2 years.

The atmosphere here is what you make of it. It is REALLY quiet, serene and calm. It is not known for being a party school, but these past times are available to you if you are into this type of thing. The campus is beautifully laid out and Aldrich park is my favorite characteristic of UCI.

You will not be at a disadvantage for going to a CC then transferring to a UCI. I have several friends who are now in med school, some applying with success and of course, my own anecdotal evidence (har har). However, there may be a few med schools that do not accept pre-req credits from CC. Yale comes to mind, but that is the only school I know of.

 

[gibson777]

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it. I am going up to the CC tomorrow to talk to a counselor and see what the deal is. Do you know if your High School grades can help you to get classes at all?

I definitely have heard about ratemyprofessor.com and will utilize it, considering I have heard horror stories about some teachers at the CC. And did not know about Yale not accepting CC credit, it is unlikely that I will go there but it is an option. If I pull everything off in the future I really want to aim for Stanford, UCLA, but that desire may change down the line.

Having a car is not an issue. I think I am going to see what kind of financial aid I get and weigh the cost and opportunity cost with going to a CC. I have heard UCSD is extremely boring but I'm not sure, I've been there and it was very nice. I have also heard about it being extremely cut throat, but I can't confirm that. People see things differently.

 

[Slowpoke]

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it. I am going up to the CC tomorrow to talk to a counselor and see what the deal is. Do you know if your High School grades can help you to get classes at all?

I definitely have heard about ratemyprofessor.com and will utilize it, considering I have heard horror stories about some teachers at the CC. And did not know about Yale not accepting CC credit, it is unlikely that I will go there but it is an option. If I pull everything off in the future I really want to aim for Stanford, UCLA, but that desire may change down the line.

Having a car is not an issue. I think I am going to see what kind of financial aid I get and weigh the cost and opportunity cost with going to a CC. I have heard UCSD is extremely boring but I'm not sure, I've been there and it was very nice. I have also heard about it being extremely cut throat, but I can't confirm that. People see things differently.

I am not exactly sure about CC courses but having AP credits may give you priority during the registration window. One of my old friends had a window of registration much earlier than everyone else because she had taken a butt load of AP courses. Not sure exactly how that works though!

 

[gibson777]

I am not exactly sure about CC courses but having AP credits may give you priority during the registration window. One of my old friends had a window of registration much earlier than everyone else because she had taken a butt load of AP courses. Not sure exactly how that works though!

I only have one class that I'd get credit for, AP Physics, I got a 5. Other than that I took APUSH and got a 3.

But I am going to go check out UCI, and continue my research. I am going to try and look at some Medical schools I am interested in and try to build the best plan around that.

 

[fzwarrior]

Don't go to a community college. The schools you mentioned would all be fine, but why limit yourself? For a 30$ application just apply across the board and see where you stick.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to a community college for your first two years. Why pay quadruple the amount for the same English class at a big name university? If you plan on going into medicine, my advice would be to try and get through it with as little loans as possible. Besides, there is a good possibility you will change your mind within the first two years anyways. But even if you decide to stick with medicine, going to a community college will not hurt, unless you want to go super big name like Harvard.

 

[owlegrad]

I went the CC route, seemed to work out fine. Got the same credits but spent way less. I was well prepared for the PCAT (somewhat like the the MCAT but for pharmacy school) and also for my classes in pharmacy school.

I might have had more fun if I had done the whole four year thing though. I worked at the time so the CC route was particularly attractive for me. If I had to do it over again I wouldn't change a thing. 👍 I mean except for buying winning lotto tickets, etc.

 

[headortail]

The only advantage I can think of to do your first 2 year at a UC vs. a CC is you can get involved in research early (I started research my freshman year; no idea if research is available at all at a CC). Thanks to those opportunities, I felt like it was easier to get into a lab, get to know my PI enough, and to get good letter of recs later.
However, it is not hard to get some research experience done even as a CC transfer. If I was going to start over, I'd done my first 2 year at a CC then transfer to UCLA though. Some science professors at these research universities cannot teach, and I found one organic chemistry prof. at a CC way more competent at teaching than my profs at UCLA.
I would pick UCLA over UCI, not necessarily for the sake of a "big name" school, but it's LA. Even though there were times I absolutely hated the chaos there, there are just so many opportunities to get involved. There is always something out there to do 🙂 I felt like I only took advantage of 0.000001% of the opportunities available to me.
That said, I took summer classes at UCI and liked the atmosphere there, more laid-back, less chaotic, better fit for myself personally. Professors were also very competent teachers.

 

[gibson777]

Well today I had a talk with one of the school counselors and she was an idiot and tried to take the wind out of my sails. She said I wouldn't get accepted to UCI, UCSD or UCD (my UC GPA is 3.83 I guess) but I don't think this is true at all.

Anyways, I was thinking of applying to some other schools as well, including Emory, Rice but I really need some safe school as well. Any suggestions?

 

[headortail]

Well today I had a talk with one of the school counselors and she was an idiot and tried to take the wind out of my sails. She said I wouldn't get accepted to UCI, UCSD or UCD (my UC GPA is 3.83 I guess) but I don't think this is true at all.

Anyways, I was thinking of applying to some other schools as well, including Emory, Rice but I really need some safe school as well. Any suggestions?

UCSD can be harder to get into, but I know plenty of people who got into UCI and UCD with a GPA (much) less than yours. Heck, my friend got into UCLA with a 3.3 weighted (very smart guy though, did amazing in college); it just depends on other positive attributes you can show on your application.

Emory is a nice school 👍 As for admission, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside and UC Merced can be easier to get into. I would personally pick UC Davis though, not hard to get into and a decent school from what I've heard from friends.

 

[gibson777]

Checked out UCI last week. The campus is really nice and I like how it is close to Newport Beach. Seems a tad dull but it may have been the time I was there. I've also made my final school list and need to weed some out.