UCLA versus UCSD

[justkickinit]

I have to decide between ucsd and ucla SOON... I got a scholarship of 5K a year at ucsd and went to that school as an undergrad... I know I like the city of san diego but don't really know much about los angeles and ucla life. I wonder if ucla would be a better school and maybe help professionally more and be a nice place to go to med school. Also I don't want to become complacent (san diego) and feel like I sold myself short going to sd over la... I just don't know la very well and am intimidated by the city. Any insight would help! Thank you all.

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[none]

Where's your family? SD? Stay there. If your family is anywhere other than SD, go to LA.

 

[encee]

justkickinit:
I went to UCSD for undergrad too, and I would choose LA in a second (besides the fact that I grew up in L.A.). Since you have been in SD, try something new.
Also, as far as med schools go--UCLA students seem to be much happier than UCSD students--in my opinion. UCLA has strong research and clinical, while UCSD has traditionally been lacking in the clinical. THey are trying to change this, but...UCLA still is way stronger in this dept. Other things to consider--UCSD has about 2 weeks after 2nd year before USMLE I. This is a major turn off to me regarding SD.

Perhaps I like UCLA more, cuz I am on the waitlist there! But really, if you like a city environment that can provide you with a wealth of communities to work in, I think UCLA has more to offer.

Both are regarded as good schools, so go with your gut feeling. To me they seem so different, but you gotta evaluate what characteristics mean more to you.

 

[MissMedicine]

Did UCLA come anywhere close to matching UCSD's offer? Did you mention to their FA office your dilemma. UCLA may be able to match their offer. What exactly would be the difference, $ wise?

UCSD is an awesome school and there is no way you would be selling yourself short going there. And having family close by is nice.

If UCLA is nowhere near matching UCSD's FA, I would pick UCSD. However, IMO, if their FA is similar, I would pick UCLA. You would only be a couple hours away from your family in SD.

Good luck.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

I would go with UCLA. I like LA. La Jolla is great but there is more to do in LA. The finances should be about the same. Money is important. But, You should not let 20,000 sway a decision that will effect you for the rest of your life. UCLA has a better clinical program, awesome research, and a great match list. UCSD is a great school by all means, but in my eyes UCLA is better. Moving away from home will do you good and you are still a short drive away.

 

[UCLA2000]

UCLA is higher ranked, and has a better reputation.

In addition UCLA has several hospitals nearby where you can volunteer at and stuff. They also give their students earlier patient interaction than UCSD.

As I understand from my interview visit at UCSD, if you want to volunteer there, then you have to drive like an hour away. At UCLA you can just walk across the street.

Westwood is also a great place to live. It's near the beach, and there are tons of clubs and bars on Sunset blvd.

I have friends at both schools, and UCSD didn't really seem happy there.

 

[none]

There is the VA hospital on campus. It's a great place to volunteer at UCSD! You won't find a more deserving patient population. But I mean clearly the OP is going to LA. It's a moot point.

 

[Scooby Doo]

Withdraw from UCLA ASAP and let me and Moleculo have your spot

I really don't have anything important to add to this conversation. Go where you think you will be happy.

If you think it's a toss up, then go with the school that gives you more money.

If it DOES come down to money, call up UCLA and say "UCSD gave me this much money, WTF you think of that? You wanna match it?"

Then see what happens

{Subliminal message: Go to UCSD! Go to SD! Go to SD! Go to SD! Go to SD!}

<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

Congrats on such a fine choice btw

 

[lilycat]

I think encee made really good points. I was accepted to UCSD last year (decided not to go), but would have gone to UCLA in a heartbeat.

 

[Procrastinator]

UCSD was my initial #1 choice, but I got rejected there pre-interview. As far as UCLA goes, it was definitely not the most impressive school that I've seen, but I still think it would be fun to go there. If it were me, I would choose SD, but I suppose you cant go wrong either way.

 

[Mr.D]

I have to decide between ucsd and ucla by TONIGHT!!!

-So what's it gonna be? Have you decided yet?

 

[Mr.D]

Oops, I didn't mean to sound to curt. Good luck with whichever school you pick - you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Nuclearrabbit]

i say UCLA. try something new, and its not that long of a drive to see your friends and family.

 

[Hero]

did you recently get accepted to UCLA or UCSD? Please let us know the decision you make.

 

[Hero]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Scooby Doo:
•Withdraw from UCLA ASAP and let me and Moleculo have your spot •••••hey Scooby Doo, u did alright on your interview? they waitlist you in the end though because it was late?

 

[Scooby Doo]

Hero,

I wish I knew the answer to that...

 

[justkickinit]

Thanks for replying... bumping.

 

[waiting123]

what did you end up deciding?

 

[Scooby Doo]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by justkickinit:
•Thanks for replying... bumping.•••••Well did they give you more time or something?

Go with your gut...

Then tell us which one you decided on

 

[none]

I always get a little annoyed with the people who ask for advice and then don't end up telling us what they decided. An update should be expected.

 

[Ceez]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by none:
•I always get a little annoyed with the people who ask for advice and then don't end up telling us what they decided. An update should be expected.•••••yeah, i'm sitting here waiting on an answer.