Pre-Med: UW vs UCLA

[Rare Poison]

Hi! Forgive me if this isn't the right place to post this as I haven't entirely acquainted myself with this forum.

I was recently accepted into both UW (University of Washington) and UCLA (I'm still waiting on a few others but I think it'll come down to these two anyway). I would like some advice on which school to go to for pre-med. I know one is generally is considered more "prestigious" than the other but that isn't something I care about at all.

Please help me make a decision by comparing the pre-med education merits of each school (if you've gone to and/or know something about being a pre-med in either school, please share your knowledge)!!

Right now, I'm leaning more toward UW because it is significantly less pricy than UCLA (more so if financial aid isn't offered to out-of-state students). I also like Seattle more than LA. But if there is a significant advantage in studying at UCLA, I might just go for that.

I'd say I'm quite naïve on this subject so any feedback is appreciated, thank you!! 🙂

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[KungFuPanda123]

Given the reasons you gave, there is no question. Go to You Dub

 

[throk]

Hi! Forgive me if this isn't the right place to post this as I haven't entirely acquainted myself with this forum.

I was recently accepted into both UW (University of Washington) and UCLA (I'm still waiting on a few others but I think it'll come down to these two anyway). I would like some advice on which school to go to for pre-med. I know one is generally is considered more "prestigious" than the other but that isn't something I care about at all.

Please help me make a decision by comparing the pre-med education merits of each school (if you've gone to and/or know something about being a pre-med in either school, please share your knowledge)!!

Right now, I'm leaning more toward UW because it is significantly less pricy than UCLA (more so if financial aid isn't offered to out-of-state students). I also like Seattle more than LA. But if there is a significant advantage in studying at UCLA, I might just go for that.

I'd say I'm quite naïve on this subject so any feedback is appreciated, thank you!! 🙂

Well, I can tell you that the UCs suffer a lot from overcrowding lately, to the point that it can be very difficult to get your prereq classes during freshman and sophomore year. UCLA also has a reputation, at least in SoCal, for being a pretty intense and stressful premed experience.

Add to this your preference for Seattle and the cheaper price tag, you should go UW all the way.

 

[neekzg]

Theres no educational advantage by coming from UCLA. I would recommend coming here if this is the college experience and atmosphere youre looking for. That being said, premed is pretty stressful at the UCs. I would go to UW in your case if you feel youd be happier there.

 

[sharkbyte]

I wouldn't base the decision on the pre-med experiences at each school. Regardless of where you go, you'll have to work hard on your own to do well in classes, get a good MCAT score, and juggle your academic responsibilities with meaningful ECs and a social life.

Both UW and UCLA are very solid schools. Since you say you like Seattle more and UW is far cheaper, it looks like you should definitely go there.

I hope you have a memorable and enjoyable 4 years ahead. Work hard and do your best, but have fun along the way. I had a blast in college (particularly junior and senior years) and I miss it a lot.

 

[Terror Billy]

Having quite a few friends from LA including a fraternity bro whose twin is at UCLA stay away from there. They obviously have some name recognition, but with respect to resources they, like many UCs are stretched. Sounds like UW is where your heart is and I think that's the smart bet as they have a great medical school I'm sure you could find research at.

 

[Swish16]

UW all the way. UCLA is a slaughterhouse for premeds. The atmosphere at UW will be better for your happiness and your success as a premed. I doubt UCLA would have more "opportunities" if you can volunteer at one of the hospitals associated with UW and do research at the medical school.

 

[NoRagrets]

Here is what you were looking for... One of the stickied threads
***Please post School X vs. School Y threads in 2015-2016 School Specific Discussions Forum***

 

[Lawpy]

Here is what you were looking for... One of the stickied threads
***Please post School X vs. School Y threads in 2015-2016 School Specific Discussions Forum***

That is for comparing medical schools, not undergrad universities.

OP, go for wherever is the cheapest universities. This would be UW.