To my California Pre-med students, I have some questions for y'all.

[The Buff OP]

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Hey guys/gals
So there is a 50% chance I might move back to my home state next summer (2014). I left California when I was in the middle of 10th grade, so I don't really know which California universities are great when in comes to pre-meds. I already looked into some universities to see what majors they offer the only ones that got my attention were: human biology, biomedical sciences, nutrition, and neurobiology (neuroscience). Do you guys know of any other great majors that I could go for in California? I like to study anything that is the most relatable to human medicine. I'm a business major here in Texas, but California does not have strong business schools or business major variety. From y'alls experience what universities have really great professors and a strong support and research opportunities for pre-medical students? In addition, which schools have a nice areas to live in? When I use to live in California I use to live close to East Los Angeles I really don't want to go back to those areas.

Any help would be appreciated. 👍

Thanks. 🙂

 

[Aerus]

Hey guys/gals
So there is a 50% chance I might move back to my home state next summer (2014). I left California when I was in the middle of 10th grade, so I don't really know which California universities are great when in comes to pre-meds. I already looked into some universities to see what majors they offer the only ones that got my attention were: human biology, biomedical sciences, nutrition, and neurobiology (neuroscience). Do you guys know of any other great majors that I could go for in California? I like to study anything that is the most relatable to human medicine. I'm a business major here in Texas, but California does not have strong business schools or business major variety. From y'alls experience what universities have really great professors and a strong support and research opportunities for pre-medical students? LOL In addition, which schools have a nice areas to live in? When I use to live in California I use to live close to East Los Angeles I really don't want to go back to those areas.

Any help would be appreciated. 👍

Thanks. 🙂

The UC schools, while known for their intense weeder prereq classes, are pretty good schools. At this point in your life, pursuing a medically related major is useless. You won't even scratch the surface of what you're going to be studying in medical school, so just pursue a major you like, not just because it is "medically related".

Good luck in your decision!

 

[LuciusVorenus]

Hey guys/gals
So there is a 50% chance I might move back to my home state next summer (2014). I left California when I was in the middle of 10th grade, so I don't really know which California universities are great when in comes to pre-meds. I already looked into some universities to see what majors they offer the only ones that got my attention were: human biology, biomedical sciences, nutrition, and neurobiology (neuroscience). Do you guys know of any other great majors that I could go for in California? I like to study anything that is the most relatable to human medicine. I'm a business major here in Texas, but California does not have strong business schools or business major variety. From y'alls experience what universities have really great professors and a strong support and research opportunities for pre-medical students? LOL In addition, which schools have a nice areas to live in? When I use to live in California I use to live close to East Los Angeles I really don't want to go back to those areas.

Any help would be appreciated. 👍

Thanks. 🙂

In terms of majors, it really depends on the school you go to. If you go to UCSD or UCB biomedical engineering would be a great choice. If you go to Cal Tech or Stanford you can probably get away with majoring in anything. I went to UCI so if you have any specific questions about that school I can answer them.

In terms of research, any UC you go to will offer you great opportunities (UROP, SURP, etc) since all UCs are research institutions first. I don't know which school you came from in Texas, but be aware that most UC premed classes are in the 200-400 enrollment range so that might take some getting used to.

UCI and Stanford are the two safest schools, area wise. UCLA/USC are probably the most urban schools you'll find in CA (you lived in east LA so I'm sure you're already aware of that) while UCSD and UCB are somewhere in between. UCSB and UCSC are great if you're into the beach while UCR and UCM are far more rural.

 

[The Buff OP]

The UC schools, while known for their intense weeder prereq classes, are pretty good schools. At this point in your life, pursuing a medically related major is useless. You won't even scratch the surface of what you're going to be studying in medical school, so just pursue a major you like, not just because it is "medically related".

Good luck in your decision!

That's my interest, bro. I don't want to major in that because I think it will prepare me for med-school. If we only had to take the pre-reqs and MCAT that would be awesome. My interest are nutrition, neuro, business, and medicine. But like I said business schools in Cali suck.

 

[The Buff OP]

In terms of majors, it really depends on the school you go to. If you go to UCSD or UCB biomedical engineering would be a great choice. If you go to Cal Tech or Stanford you can probably get away with majoring in anything. I went to UCI so if you have any specific questions about that school I can answer them.

In terms of research, any UC you go to will offer you great opportunities (UROP, SURP, etc) since all UCs are research institutions first. I don't know which school you came from in Texas, but be aware that most UC premed classes are in the 200-400 enrollment range so that might take some getting used to.

UCI and Stanford are the two safest schools, area wise. UCLA/USC are probably the most urban schools you'll find in CA (you lived in east LA so I'm sure you're already aware of that) while UCSD and UCB are somewhere in between. UCSB and UCSC are great if you're into the beach while UCR and UCM are far more rural.

Thanks. I will keep you in mind if I have more questions about UC Irvine.

 

[milkandcereal]

In terms of majors, it really depends on the school you go to. If you go to UCSD or UCB biomedical engineering would be a great choice. If you go to Cal Tech or Stanford you can probably get away with majoring in anything. I went to UCI so if you have any specific questions about that school I can answer them.

In terms of research, any UC you go to will offer you great opportunities (UROP, SURP, etc) since all UCs are research institutions first. I don't know which school you came from in Texas, but be aware that most UC premed classes are in the 200-400 enrollment range so that might take some getting used to.

UCI and Stanford are the two safest schools, area wise. UCLA/USC are probably the most urban schools you'll find in CA (you lived in east LA so I'm sure you're already aware of that) while UCSD and UCB are somewhere in between. UCSB and UCSC are great if you're into the beach while UCR and UCM are far more rural.

No mention of UC Davis?? We're here too! 😛

 

[LuciusVorenus]

No mention of UC Davis?? We're here too! 😛

I refuse to mention UCD until they offer me an interview! Just kidding, I just wasn't really sure where to fit them since they're technically more rural than the other schools but they're so close to SF and Sacramento...

 

[striker15]

But like I said business schools in Cali suck.

Lol this shows how much research you've actually done on Cali schools. Never seen someone claim a texas business school to be better than a Cali business school.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

Lol this shows how much research you've actually done on Cali schools. Never seen someone claim a texas business school to be better than a Cali business school.

This is also true. Remember that while UT-Austin has a great business program, UCB and UCLA are both ranked higher (if you go by US News at least). So feel free to just do business if you love it.

 

[JediOchoa]

Lol this shows how much research you've actually done on Cali schools. Never seen someone claim a texas business school to be better than a Cali business school.

Exactly what I was thinking. Stanford, Berkeley and UCLA???

 

[The Buff OP]

Lol this shows how much research you've actually done on Cali schools. Never seen someone claim a texas business school to be better than a Cali business school.

I think you are thinking California has better graduate business schools. UT-Austin is on the top list for both UG and Grad school. Great graduate business school, yes. (California) lol don't start a war now

 

[JediOchoa]

I think you are thinking California has better graduate business schools. UT-Austin is on the top list for both UG and Grad school.

Im pretty sure Berkeley is higher ranked in both graduate and undergraduate. Rankings are a silly comparison anyways as you are not going to a graduate business school after. Pick whatever major you like and stop worrying about rankings. It's not exactly easy being admitted into these schools anyways.

 

[SunsFun]

I've read somewhere that UCLA sends the highest percentage of their premeds to medical schools. Honestly though any school big school will have plenty of opportunities. Just look at what makes sense financially.

Also, I will repeat myself here. Try to study Spanish. The more of it you know the more desirable you will be as a doctor pretty much anywhere in the southwest.

 

[The Buff OP]

I've read somewhere that UCLA sends the highest percentage of their premeds to medical schools. Honestly though any school big school will have plenty of opportunities. Just look at what makes sense financially.

Also, I will repeat myself here. Try to study Spanish. The more of it you know the more desirable you will be as a doctor pretty much anywhere in the southwest.

Yeah..... about that. My first language was Spanish. I'm gold on that.

 

[The Buff OP]

Im pretty sure Berkeley is higher ranked in both graduate and undergraduate. Rankings are a silly comparison anyways as you are not going to a graduate business school after. Pick whatever major you like and stop worrying about rankings. It's not exactly easy being admitted into these schools anyways.

Okay then. Thanks tor the info, sir.

 

[SunsFun]

Yeah..... about that. My first language was Spanish. I'm gold on that.

That's good bro. You're good to go. Just pick something.you're interested in. It doesn't even have to be related to medicine.

 

[The Buff OP]

That's good bro. You're good to go. Just pick something.you're interested in. It doesn't even have to be related to medicine.

Gracias, amigo. Also, I'm ethnicity is URM. Lawd have mercy. Lol if I go to Cali ill end up doing something close to medicine that's all read about, besides my playboys (jk).

 

[The Buff OP]

Does anybody else have an input to this topic? Does anybody know about the northern California schools?

 

[milkandcereal]

Does anybody else have an input to this topic? Does anybody know about the northern California schools?

Damn, even the font size is bigger in Texas? 😛 Anyways, I went to Davis and I liked it. City is a nice college town and I enjoyed my science classes, for the most part.

 

[The Buff OP]

Damn, even the font size is bigger in Texas? 😛 Anyways, I went to Davis and I liked it. City is a nice college town and I enjoyed my science classes, for the most part.

Hahaha Yeah buddy!

 

[The Buff OP]

Guys/Gals I just realized I'm going to have to start at a community college over there because I don't have that many credits under my belt.

So change of question.
What are great CC's in southern California?

 

[FeinMS]

Santa Monica College, El Camino College are the best 2 in SoCal. Also if you're interested in UCLA, talk to me.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

Guys/Gals I just realized I'm going to have to start at a community college over there because I don't have that many credits under my belt.

So change of question.
What are great CC's in southern California?

I don't know if it works the same way in Texas, but there are a set of CCs in California where you're basically guaranteed acceptance to a UC of your choice as long as you maintain a 3.5+ or something. I would look into one of those and just enroll.

 

[The Buff OP]

I don't know if it works the same way in Texas, but there are a set of CCs in California where you're basically guaranteed acceptance to a UC of your choice as long as you maintain a 3.5+ or something. I would look into one of those and just enroll.

That sounds awesome. In Houston they have Rice University and they have program for kids who graduate in high honors from HS (they only accept like 14 a year) they have to maintain a high GPA in UG and if they do they automatically get accepted to Baylor.

 

[The Buff OP]

Santa Monica College, El Camino College are the best 2 in SoCal. Also if you're interested in UCLA, talk to me.

Thanks. I will also keep you in mind.

 

[1cor1311]

Any of the so cal UC's brotha!!!!

 

[The Buff OP]

This question might be out of reach, but what are cities in southern California have great high school's? (for my lil bro's) For example: Anaheim, Orange, Downey, Montebello, and others.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

This question might be out of reach, but what are cities in southern California have great high school's? (for my lil bro's) For example: Anaheim, Orange, Downey, Montebello, and others.

I went to university high in Irvine and I know among high schools it's top 30 in the state (we had a ridiculous amount of perfect SATs in the past few years). It's also right across the street from UCI

Here are the full rankings for public schools: http://www.usnews.com/education/bes...ngs?name=&schooltypepublic=y&county=&state=ca

 

[FeinMS]

I went to university high in Irvine and I know among high schools it's top 30 in the state (we had a ridiculous amount of perfect SATs in the past few years). It's also right across the street from UCI

Here are the full rankings for public schools: http://www.usnews.com/education/bes...ngs?name=&schooltypepublic=y&county=&state=ca

I agree with this. Univ high is so well known for their academics. If one goes there, he/she is automatically assumed to go to the Ivy league.
Irvine is also ranked as one of the safest cities in the US.

Other good schools I know of, Oxford , Troy

 

[The Buff OP]

Holly cow! My old HS in California has 32% college readiness. 😱 Then again it doesn't surprise me if it wasn't for my parents moving to Texas I would of been in a gang right now or dead like some of my friends. 👎

 

[The Buff OP]

I agree with this. Univ high is so well known for their academics. If one goes there, he/she is automatically assumed to go to the Ivy league.
Irvine is also ranked as one of the safest cities in the US.

Other good schools I know of, Oxford , Troy

Y'all so lucky to have the opportunity to go to great HS's I went to crappy HS's even in Texas.

 

[FeinMS]

Nah I went to a crappy HS. College readiness 18.8 LOL. And there was a gun accident in my classroom. I almost died.

 

[The Buff OP]

Nah I went to a crappy HS. College readiness 18.8 LOL. And there was a gun accident in my classroom. I almost died.

Hahaha I had a shootout happen outside my class one time in middle school in Cali. In Texas a lot of racial riots. I was a troublemaker in HS, too. I would get in fights and stuff. (Insert here personal statements how I redeem myself) lol

 

[The Buff OP]

Any of the so cal UC's brotha!!!!

Thanks for the bro tip, broski.

 

[WestCoastNative]

Hey guys/gals
So there is a 50% chance I might move back to my home state next summer (2014). I left California when I was in the middle of 10th grade, so I don't really know which California universities are great when in comes to pre-meds. I already looked into some universities to see what majors they offer the only ones that got my attention were: human biology, biomedical sciences, nutrition, and neurobiology (neuroscience). Do you guys know of any other great majors that I could go for in California? I like to study anything that is the most relatable to human medicine. I'm a business major here in Texas, but California does not have strong business schools or business major variety. From y'alls experience what universities have really great professors and a strong support and research opportunities for pre-medical students? In addition, which schools have a nice areas to live in? When I use to live in California I use to live close to East Los Angeles I really don't want to go back to those areas.

Any help would be appreciated. 👍

Thanks. 🙂

U.C. Davis: Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior; if you pick this as your major than you'll have to further decide on which specific biological system interests you the best. I can't remember the ones that are available off the top of my head but there are quite a few of options. Seems like a great major.

 

[going2breakdown]

For the love of god; DON'T go back to California if you want to go to medical school. UCR had 75 applicants to one seat. California SUCKS for premed. Unless you took AP bio, AP physics, AP chemistry, and calculus (and did well in all of those) you will be at a pretty big disadvantage at most of the UC's as a science major (U.C. alumnus talking here). If you took those classes in high school the UC's are doable. There are a lot of requirements and most science majors at my UC took six years to get their degree. Just keep in mind the national average MCAT score for a matriculating student is about 30. Scores in California are reaching 34. Think about the type of students that flock to the UC schools, now calculate the number of them who want to go to medical school (it seemed to me like 90% of them). 250 seats per school. At a certain point California doesn't seem so golden. Texas is a pretty decent state for pre-med. Don't underestimate the system the UC has set up. They don't want/can't add more medical schools and there is WAY too much talent there to cater to those without a strong academic foundation in the sciences. Plus tuition/cost of living there is outrageous. I got my degree and got the hell out.

 

[The Buff OP]

For the love of god; DON'T go back to California if you want to go to medical school. UCR had 75 applicants to one seat. California SUCKS for premed. Unless you took AP bio, AP physics, AP chemistry, and calculus (and did well in all of those) you will be at a pretty big disadvantage at most of the UC's as a science major (U.C. alumnus talking here). If you took those classes in high school the UC's are doable. There are a lot of requirements and most science majors at my UC took six years to get their degree. Just keep in mind the national average MCAT score for a matriculating student is about 30. Scores in California are reaching 34. Think about the type of students that flock to the UC schools, now calculate the number of them who want to go to medical school (it seemed to me like 90% of them). 250 seats per school. At a certain point California doesn't seem so golden. Texas is a pretty decent state for pre-med. Don't underestimate the system the UC has set up. They don't want/can't add more medical schools and there is WAY too much talent there to cater to those without a strong academic foundation in the sciences. Plus tuition/cost of living there is outrageous. I got my degree and got the hell out.

If I move back it is because I live with my parents I'm not financially stable (c'mon I'm a college student and a bodybuilder the bills add up). The only family I have here in Texas are my parents and brothers. After living here for six years being alone with no effin lazy family members coming to visit us from California my parents got tired of it. My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and the humid weather here affects her. Her disease actually started here in Texas. All my family members are in California.

But you are right on the over-flooded pre-meds I have known that for a while. When the time comes I will try to only apply a few in Cali and apply out of state. Finally, dude I'm a guy who has had a lot of setback with his education all I care that it gets done, if it takes me more than 4 years to finish my bachelor's so be it.

 

[The Buff OP]

U.C. Davis: Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior; if you pick this as your major than you'll have to further decide on which specific biological system interests you the best. I can't remember the ones that are available off the top of my head but there are quite a few of options. Seems like a great major.

That sounds like the an awesome major. Just a few minutes ago I was looking at their website.

 

[The Buff OP]

I got a quick question that just came into my mind. Which schools have a great social life, like close attractions, parties, and great scenery?​

I heard UCSD has a really low social life. Is that true? Another reason why I might move back it is because here in Texas the social life isn't great, then again I'm a bodybuilder. I train, eat, and sleep. No alcohol or late clubbing for me. But still there isn't much to do here compare to So-Cal.

 

[FeinMS]

UCLA has the greatest dining service in the nation. 🙂

 

[WestCoastNative]

I got a quick question that just came into my mind. Which schools have a great social life, like close attractions, parties, and great scenery?​

I heard UCSD has a really low social life. Is that true? Another reason why I might move back it is because here in Texas the social life isn't great, then again I'm a bodybuilder. I train, eat, and sleep. No alcohol or late clubbing for me. But still there isn't much to do here compare to So-Cal.

UCSB has an insanely active social life. It seems like most of the students are more focused with getting their party on than they are with getting good grades. When I think of "college parties", the first thing that comes to mind is UCSB. There is literally something going on every single night of the week.

 

[SOMBound13]

UCR had 75 applicants to one seat.

Shocking but true.

As a Calif native, glad my parents moved me OOS in middle school to a state where I had a fighting chance.

😀

 

[The Buff OP]

UCSB has an insanely active social life. It seems like most of the students are more focused with getting their party on than they are with getting good grades. When I think of "college parties", the first thing that comes to mind is UCSB. There is literally something going on every single night of the week.

Looks like I found home for the next years to come. Yeah, I heard it is a party school.

 

[The Buff OP]

What is the apartment rates (close to campus) or dorm rooms like in y'all's schools?

 

[WestCoastNative]

What is the apartment rates (close to campus) or dorm rooms like in y'all's schools?

Location plays a big role. Southern California is generally much more expensive. Have you decided on UCSB? Around my area (Northern Californa), one bedroom apartment go anywhere from 650 to 850. For around 750, you can get a new apartment. I'd say around 3-5 years since construction. Housing in Southern California will be much more expensive though. I'd say that even in Southern California though, you can find a decent apartment for 1000 tops.

 

[The Buff OP]

Location plays a big role. Southern California is generally much more expensive. Have you decided on UCSB? Around my area (Northern Californa), one bedroom apartment go anywhere from 650 to 850. For around 750, you can get a new apartment. I'd say around 3-5 years since construction. Housing in Southern California will be much more expensive though. I'd say that even in Southern California though, you can find a decent apartment for 1000 tops.

I know, bud. When I use to live in Cali I had a 1 br small house in my backyard and we would rent it for 1k. If I moved back I'm going to start at a community college and go for a science major, then transfer. I'm thinking human biology at the moment, maybe neuroscience I heard it is a rigorous major. Is it?

 

[WestCoastNative]

I know, bud. When I use to live in Cali I had a 1 br small house in my backyard and we would rent it for 1k. If I moved back I'm going to start at a community college and go for a science major, then transfer. I'm thinking human biology at the moment, maybe neuroscience I heard it is a rigorous major. Is it?

Neuroscience can be both a B.S. and a B.A. Obviously B.S. will be more challenging. I'm not too sure about the requirements for neuroscience, but I know that if you want to transfer to Neurobiology at U.C. Davis your junior year, than you have to complete calculus 3, gen chemistry (2 courses), organic chemistry (2 courses), physics (3 courses), biological sciences (3 courses).. I mean it'll definitely require some hard work, but anything that's worth doing is worth doing well. In general, neuroscience is pretty broad. There are plenty of sub specialties in it. Neurobiology, neuropsychology, neuroengineering (might be a biomedical engineering subspecialty actually), etc.. I feel that the nuero-w/e major at U.C. Davis is the best in the state. Its official name is actually "Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior." The physiology part covers anatomy and how the entire body works as a whole, and the behavior part is the neuropsychology/psychology part of it. It's a great major that is very informative. It covers a bunch of material and will always keep you interested. It's what I chose to pursue. Best of luck. Oh and btw, U.C. Davis's school of biology was ranked 20th best by U.S. News. It definitely will teach you something and prepare you as much as possible for medical school.

 

[The Buff OP]

Neuroscience can be both a B.S. and a B.A. Obviously B.S. will be more challenging. I'm not too sure about the requirements for neuroscience, but I know that if you want to transfer to Neurobiology at U.C. Davis your junior year, than you have to complete calculus 3, gen chemistry (2 courses), organic chemistry (2 courses), physics (3 courses), biological sciences (3 courses).. I mean it'll definitely require some hard work, but anything that's worth doing is worth doing well. In general, neuroscience is pretty broad. There are plenty of sub specialties in it. Neurobiology, neuropsychology, neuroengineering (might be a biomedical engineering subspecialty actually), etc.. I feel that the nuero-w/e major at U.C. Davis is the best in the state. Its official name is actually "Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior." The physiology part covers anatomy and how the entire body works as a whole, and the behavior part is the neuropsychology/psychology part of it. It's a great major that is very informative. It covers a bunch of material and will always keep you interested. It's what I chose to pursue. Best of luck. Oh and btw, U.C. Davis's school of biology was ranked 20th best by U.S. News. It definitely will teach you something and prepare you as much as possible for medical school.

I really appreciate your info, bro. Bro points to you, sir.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

I know, bud. When I use to live in Cali I had a 1 br small house in my backyard and we would rent it for 1k. If I moved back I'm going to start at a community college and go for a science major, then transfer. I'm thinking human biology at the moment, maybe neuroscience I heard it is a rigorous major. Is it?

A 3-4 bedroom condo in Irvine goes for around 3-4k probably? So 1k/person is probably what it'll come down to in Irvine as well. Of course, that's without utilities/cable/internet.

 

[The Buff OP]

A 3-4 bedroom condo in Irvine goes for around 3-4k probably? So 1k/person is probably what it'll come down to in Irvine as well. Of course, that's without utilities/cable/internet.

Jesus! I plan on getting certified in surgical tech. I think I can make some good money.