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Yes, I know this topic has been discussed over and over on this forum, and I've read the threads covering this, but I want to get as much input as I can.
I was accepted to UCB, UCI, and UCD. I was waitlisted to UCSD, rejected to UCLA. I've narrowed my top choices to either UCB or UCI, but I'll have to reconsider if UCSD's waitlist pulls through. >.< I was accepted to Berkeley for as an MCB major, and I plan to minor in psychology (maybe even switch majors). In Irvine I'll be a biolological sciences major, and then go into neurobiology. Again, I might minor in psych or even double major.
On one hand, I admire the prestige and recognition of UC Berkeley. It's Berkeley! I never thought I'd ever have the chance to go to such a remarkable university. I feel like I would seriously regret it later on if I turned it down. And if my plans for medical school don't turn out right, the degree from Berkeley will help me in the job market much more than Irvine's. It's programs are much higher ranked as well. However, I've been hearing rumors of grade deflation and of pre-meds who do nothing but study all day. I don't know whether I'd be able to stay competitive or not. On the contrary, I like the general atmosphere of UC Irvine, more so than Cal's. It appears to be much more relaxed, and I feel like I could maintain a stronger GPA here than in Cal. But I'm really not certain... I really don't know how I would perform at either school yet.
Right now I'm leaning towards Irvine. All of the people I've talked to from Irvine have been happy with their choice. Many people I've heard from Berkeley usually say something along the lines of "It was the hardest I've worked in my life, but so worth it." I like UCI a little better, but the thought of turning down Berkeley sickens me. (Again, if my waitlist to UCSD pulls through, that just adds another option >.<)
I'd like to hear from students of these schools. How was the university in terms of helping you get into medical school? How was the competition/difficulty of your course load? How was the social life? Are you glad you chose your school? If you were in my situation, which would you pick?
I was accepted to UCB, UCI, and UCD. I was waitlisted to UCSD, rejected to UCLA. I've narrowed my top choices to either UCB or UCI, but I'll have to reconsider if UCSD's waitlist pulls through. >.< I was accepted to Berkeley for as an MCB major, and I plan to minor in psychology (maybe even switch majors). In Irvine I'll be a biolological sciences major, and then go into neurobiology. Again, I might minor in psych or even double major.
On one hand, I admire the prestige and recognition of UC Berkeley. It's Berkeley! I never thought I'd ever have the chance to go to such a remarkable university. I feel like I would seriously regret it later on if I turned it down. And if my plans for medical school don't turn out right, the degree from Berkeley will help me in the job market much more than Irvine's. It's programs are much higher ranked as well. However, I've been hearing rumors of grade deflation and of pre-meds who do nothing but study all day. I don't know whether I'd be able to stay competitive or not. On the contrary, I like the general atmosphere of UC Irvine, more so than Cal's. It appears to be much more relaxed, and I feel like I could maintain a stronger GPA here than in Cal. But I'm really not certain... I really don't know how I would perform at either school yet.
Right now I'm leaning towards Irvine. All of the people I've talked to from Irvine have been happy with their choice. Many people I've heard from Berkeley usually say something along the lines of "It was the hardest I've worked in my life, but so worth it." I like UCI a little better, but the thought of turning down Berkeley sickens me. (Again, if my waitlist to UCSD pulls through, that just adds another option >.<)
I'd like to hear from students of these schools. How was the university in terms of helping you get into medical school? How was the competition/difficulty of your course load? How was the social life? Are you glad you chose your school? If you were in my situation, which would you pick?
