UCLA vs UC Berkeley for Premed (Transfer)

[DavolaDevito]

I got accepted as a transfer to UCLA, SD, Cal, Davis, Irvine for bio/bio adjacent majors, and likely think it's between LA and Cal.

I know both schools have grade deflation (Cal moreso than LA), but as a transfer, I've completed my pre-reqs, and think might be happy anywhere?

I'm a rising junior and am thinking of taking no gap years at the moment, have about 1k clinical hrs, some shadowing and a few hundred research hrs, but no volunteering. I'd likely do that in the summer. I'm not worried about seeking more clinical hrs at this point.

Are there any recommendations you guys have for my future school? I'm happy to provide any additional information.

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[DavolaDevito]

title, cal is closer, price is about the same, i have enough clinical experience (1k hours). Where to go?

 

[TheRealBibFortuna]

Berkeley without a fraction of a doubt. Much more opportunity; I’ve heard getting shadowing and research at UCLA is tough because of how many students are there. I’ve also heard that the grade deflation can be tough but those that succeed at Cal do exceedingly well when applying. Met a Cal grad that was choosing between Harvard and JHU for med school.

 

[DavolaDevito]

bump

 

[Rachapkis]

They are both great schools that offer pre-meds plenty of opportunities. They are also both big schools that will require you--to some extent--to make your own way. I would go to the school where you feel most comfortable and have the best support network. Good luck!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You don't need to bump yet... it's only 12 hours! We ain't trolling like reddit. 🙂

Have you met the prehealth offices and club officers at both schools?

 

[wysdoc]

What is the reason you want to transfer colleges?
fewer upper division courses at your current college? doesn't have the courses you want to take?
troubles fitting in socially?
Transferring because a college says a certain percentage of students get in to med school isn't a good enough motive.
National % of applicants getting in is around 40%

 

[Jericho13]

I got accepted as a transfer to UCLA, SD, Cal, Davis, Irvine for bio/bio adjacent majors, and likely think it's between LA and Cal.

I know both schools have grade deflation (Cal moreso than LA), but as a transfer, I've completed my pre-reqs, and think might be happy anywhere?

I'm a rising junior and am thinking of taking no gap years at the moment, have about 1k clinical hrs, some shadowing and a few hundred research hrs, but no volunteering. I'd likely do that in the summer. I'm not worried about seeking more clinical hrs at this point.

Are there any recommendations you guys have for my future school? I'm happy to provide any additional information.

Both Berkeley and UCLA have acceptance rates of ~50% for students first applying to medical school. Make of that what you will.

 

[hommefatale]

i'm always a proponent of the big fish in a small pond theory! you're deciding between incredible schools, but don't disregard some of your options if you think personalized advising / things like honors programs, etc might be at other schools. i chose a full ride & honors program at a lower-ranked state school over the two you're considering and i'm so grateful everyday i did that!