UCI vs UCSD if I want to go into Neurosurgery

[whole9yards]

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Hey guys!

So I have to decide between attending UCI or UCSD for med school. I know I want to go into neurosurgery, so I'm wondering which school has better opportunities for someone like me?

I know both are really strong in neuroscience, and both have research opportunities, but does anyone have any insight with regards to particular programs that would bolster my residency application at either school?

Any advice is appreciated, since the school with better neurosurgery prep will likely be the one I go to 🙂

 

[nabilesmail]

Don't judge your school base off a residency you want to go into. Most pre-meds change their minds, how much do you really know about neurosurgery? Did you take a couple of neuroscience courses and think woahhh cool?

Every premed and their cousins dog wants to do neurosurgery because of the financial prospects, few even apply for it because of how intense and life-consuming the field is.

Both schools are great, I would choose UCSD just because its UCSD, but weigh out financial aid, curriculem, programs, etc. Then judge!

 

[ArcGurren]

You "know" you want to go into a specialty before starting medical school... that's adorable... typical

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Hey guys!

So I have to decide between attending UCI or UCSD for med school. I know I want to go into neurosurgery, so I'm wondering which school has better opportunities for someone like me?

I know both are really strong in neuroscience, and both have research opportunities, but does anyone have any insight with regards to particular programs that would bolster my residency application at either school?

Any advice is appreciated, since the school with better neurosurgery prep will likely be the one I go to 🙂

From somebody from Southern California who is familiar with both schools, UCSD >>> UCI. Both in terms of rankings, funding, facilities, and location, UCSD beats UCI any day of the week. UCSD is located on the bluff-tops of some of the most exclusive beaches/reefs in California. Granted, you could also live in Newport if you went to UCI, but if it were me, I'd be all over that UCSD acceptance. I know this has nothing to do with neurosurgery, but I'd think UCSD is stronger compared to UCI. They usually are in just about everything else.

 

[sector9]

Thread moved to School Specific Discussions

 

[cuculici1]

My impression is that UCSD is more of a research focused school whereas UCI is more geared towards primary care, but keep in mind my perspective is fairly ignorant.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

ucsd

 

[Fivo]

OP

Ask the OP of this thread

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=13405162#post13405162

He is a neurosurgery resident and probably has a lot of insight into the strengths of different programs.

 

[whole9yards]

Thanks guys 🙂
I already asked the neurosurgery resident, he said both would be fine ways to go. Really the only reason I applied to med school was for neurosurgery, ive spent a lot of time in the OR and have done lots of research pertaining to that field, which is why im strongly leaning towards it, but im still open to change. I know UCSD is bigger and has a higher rank, but UCI also has really strong programs... tough choice. Also interesting, UCI's most recent match list had a few neurosurgery matches, one to UCLA, whereas UCSD had none, maybe its because no one was interested, but UCI definitely has a track record of getting people into good programs.

Thanks for the advice, all is appreciated!

 

[Nymphicus]

Personally, I would pick UCSD, regardless of neurosurgery aspirations.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Thanks guys 🙂
I already asked the neurosurgery resident, he said both would be fine ways to go. Really the only reason I applied to med school was for neurosurgery, ive spent a lot of time in the OR and have done lots of research pertaining to that field, which is why im strongly leaning towards it, but im still open to change. I know UCSD is bigger and has a higher rank, but UCI also has really strong programs... tough choice. Also interesting, UCI's most recent match list had a few neurosurgery matches, one to UCLA, whereas UCSD had none, maybe its because no one was interested, but UCI definitely has a track record of getting people into good programs.

Thanks for the advice, all is appreciated!

UCI is in a really boring area and surrounded by horrible traffic. Sure, you have nice, glitzy areas like Newport and Laguna, but they're fairly isolated and you would be in Irvine for the most part. With UCSD, you have the benefit of living in both the exclusive beach city, and have the big city downtown experience, without the traffic and pollution. I've grown up and lived in LA, Orange County, and San Diego my whole life. San Diego >>>>> Irvine.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Not sure about UCSD, but UCI is only P/F the first preclinical year..

 

[sinombre]

UCI is in a really boring area and surrounded by horrible traffic. Sure, you have nice, glitzy areas like Newport and Laguna, but they're fairly isolated and you would be in Irvine for the most part. With UCSD, you have the benefit of living in both the exclusive beach city, and have the big city downtown experience, without the traffic and pollution. I've grown up and lived in LA, Orange County, and San Diego my whole life. San Diego >>>>> Irvine.

I'd probably pick UCSD too, but you definitely don't get a big city/downtown experience in La Jolla. I also don't think Irvine is nearly as bad as most people seem to believe--I think UCI is in a pretty awesome location. It's hard to beat La Jolla though.

In terms of which is the "better" school for preparing you for a competitive residency, I really doubt there's a difference. I know I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but... look at the match lists for both schools. They're both pretty impressive.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

I'd probably pick UCSD too, but you definitely don't get a big city/downtown experience in La Jolla. I also don't think Irvine is nearly as bad as most people seem to believe--I think UCI is in a pretty awesome location. It's hard to beat La Jolla though.

In terms of which is the "better" school for preparing you for a competitive residency, I really doubt there's a difference. I know I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but... look at the match lists for both schools. They're both pretty impressive.

I said big city/downtown because you have downtown San Diego so close to La Jolla. I meant La Jolla as being the exclusive beachy area, but you also have a downtown area super close.