UCLA vs UCSD

[mcchicken1985]

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Hi SDNers,

I was wondering if anyone had interviewed at these schools (UCLA or UCSD SOM) and can offer comparisons between the two. I know there are vast differences in student life between the two, with DGSOM at UCLA having a reputation for more relaxed student life as opposed to the traditional, rigorous curriculum at UCSD. Any differences in opportunities for students at these two schools?

Is there a difference in terms of the focus of these two schools? I have heard that UCSD has a better reputation as an academic center, but that seems pretty hard to believe given the resources at UCLA. Thanks for putting up with my banter!

 

[futureMDderm]

worry about this after getting accepted to both

 

[lord_jeebus]

Interview at both and you'll get a pretty good idea.

 

[Despina]

From what I have heard, UCSD has a much more traditional curriculum and lots of lecture (sometimes 9am- 5pm). I think UCLA has a more modern curriculum (organ based system with a little PBL thrown in). I haven't interviewed at either, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

 

[SeventhSon]

Hi SDNers,

I was wondering if anyone had interviewed at these schools (UCLA or UCSD SOM) and can offer comparisons between the two. I know there are vast differences in student life between the two, with DGSOM at UCLA having a reputation for more relaxed student life as opposed to the traditional, rigorous curriculum at UCSD. Any differences in opportunities for students at these two schools?

Is there a difference in terms of the focus of these two schools? I have heard that UCSD has a better reputation as an academic center, but that seems pretty hard to believe given the resources at UCLA. Thanks for putting up with my banter!

what do you mean the differences in opportunities? Anyone who is a PI at either of these schools is going to be an amazing scientist. Both SD and LA have similarly diverse patient populations. Of course, some programs just happen to be "more highly ranked than others" (referring both to grad departments and clinical departments), but this is hardly something to make a decision on, especially considering you probably dont even know what you want to go into yet.

 

[gotmeds?]

They're both great schools, but my impression of UCSD was that traditional curriculum was pretty rough on the students. I think it would be pretty hard to find time to study when you're in lectures for 8 hours a day. Most UCSD students I've talked to just say that they pick the lectures they feel are important to attend and skip the rest. I guess it depends on your learning style.

 

[Long Dong]

worry about this after getting accepted to both

Nice screen name.

 

[fourchambered]

Can anyone comment further on this topic after receiving interviews/acceptances?

 

[JazzDoc]

Accepted to both; definitely would pick UCLA over UCSD. My overwhelming impression based on the students I met at SD was that they're not happy down there. If your tour guides can't work up the enthusiasm to sell the school, even a little bit, it's really not a good sign. One of them even read, in a monotone voice while looking down, a paragraph from some brochure WHILE GIVING THE TOUR. Their curriculum is not just traditional, it's a haphazard collection of independent classes with little coordination between them (like undergrad) and (this is by hearsay) professors who tend to test heavily their own, esoteric research. There is virtually no exposure to patients in the first two years. They're reforming their curriculum but the changes won't be in place for us (class of 2012).

UCLA students seemed to enjoy a much better quality of life. They have a well-designed curriculum, relaxed atmosphere, later start time for classes (I'm not a morning person), AND they go to a "higher ranked" school, if that's important to you. They have a new hospital and they have guaranteed housing in really nice and close apartments for the first two years. UCSD might be a little more of a basic science research powerhouse, especially in some areas (stem cells, neuroscience) but I don't think the research opportunities at UCLA are anything to scoff at.

My interviewer told me that UCLA tends to lose accepted students only to Harvard and UCSF. I can see why.

 

[DrRocky]

Nice screen name.

hahhahahaha best post of the year

 

[Blackpope83]

Accepted to both; definitely would pick UCLA over UCSD. My overwhelming impression based on the students I met at SD was that they're not happy down there. If your tour guides can't work up the enthusiasm to sell the school, even a little bit, it's really not a good sign. One of them even read, in a monotone voice while looking down, a paragraph from some brochure WHILE GIVING THE TOUR. Their curriculum is not just traditional, it's a haphazard collection of independent classes with little coordination between them (like undergrad) and (this is by hearsay) professors who tend to test heavily their own, esoteric research. There is virtually no exposure to patients in the first two years. They're reforming their curriculum but the changes won't be in place for us (class of 2012).

UCLA students seemed to enjoy a much better quality of life. They have a well-designed curriculum, relaxed atmosphere, later start time for classes (I'm not a morning person), AND they go to a "higher ranked" school, if that's important to you. They have a new hospital and they have guaranteed housing in really nice and close apartments for the first two years. UCSD might be a little more of a basic science research powerhouse, especially in some areas (stem cells, neuroscience) but I don't think the research opportunities at UCLA are anything to scoff at.

My interviewer told me that UCLA tends to lose accepted students only to Harvard and UCSF. I can see why.

Counter to the heavily pro-UCLA post:

I have friends at UCSD (MSIs & MSIIs) that are extremely happy with UCSD. They say that the rumors of the students being super competitive and miserable date back to the early 2000s and are not representative of the current state of affairs. The curriculum is traditional and incorporates some problem based learning, but not as heavily as UCLA (actually when I interviewed at UCLA, the tour guides listed the PBL curriculum as one of the biggest negatives about UCLA). The students I have talked to at UCSD say that the way the curriculum is structured really helped them prepare for the USMLE step 1 (which is heavy on basic science). UCSD has various free clinics that allow you to gain clinical exposure in your first two years. Additionally you can begin taking electives your first two years and these electives allow you to work with physicians in a specialty of your interest. UCSD has housing available on-campus as well as nearby off-campus housing. As for the 'higher ranked' school comment - UCLA is #13 UCSD #14...the difference is negligible. It's not like UCLA is in the top five or ten. That would be a difference I would consider, but a one spot difference. nope. In the end the quality of education you get at either of these highly ranked institutions is more dependent on you than the school/hospital. Best of all UCSD is one mile away from La Jolla Shores beach...meaning you can WALK to the beach from the UCSD campus. No parking headaches.

It is a bummer that the revisit day for both of these schools is on the same weekend.

It would be interesting to see actual med students from UCLA and UCSD give us some insight on their respective schools.


I would think UCLA would lose accepted students to Stanford too...

 

[UCLAstudent]

The curriculum is traditional and incorporates some problem based learning, but not as heavily as UCLA (actually when I interviewed at UCLA, the tour guides listed the PBL curriculum as one of the biggest negatives about UCLA).

UCLA has 4 hours of PBL per week --- I'd hardly call that "heavy." 🙂

 

[UCLAstudent]

P.S. If anyone wants to know more about UCLA's curriculum, feel free to PM me! I'd type something out for this thread but am busy at the moment.

 

[oompaloompab0i]

doesnt ucla only have maximum of 10 hours of lecture a week (not including patient-doctoring practice of course)? that awesome! i think UCSD is like 9-4 everyday or 4 days a week (as my friend who is a MS1 there tells me). i would rather take the 10 hours of lecture a week, and use the rest of the time to self study, which i find is much more effective.

 

[paranoid_eyes]

no offense to anyone, but UCSD seriously sucks. It's a good school, but the people there, and the town where it's located, and the curriculum....😱

honestly, the best thing about sandiego is that it is a couple minutes from tijuana. that's the only reason why id even consider SD (and those *****s are closing tijuana soon so now we have nothing but the chargers).

now UCLA rocks. everything: the area (bel air....!), westwood, LA, hot girls (i swear), great research, and all around very good.

 

[LadyDoc2]

I went to both schools and felt they were very different. I really think its a personal choice of what learning environment you feel more comfortable in.

Personally, I liked UCLA better, but that is NOT to say I disliked UCSD. (It is my alma mater!)

The friends I have at UCSD seem to be very happy. However, the people I know at UCLA are much more enthusiastic about loving their school.
If you like lecture, and heavy basic science, maybe UCSD would be a better choice. If you are like me, and don't get much from lecture, UCLA may be a better choice.

Both institutions have wonderful training hospitals, and I recently heard that UCLA Medical Center is ranked #3 in the nation.

I really think you need to go to both (hopefully you can) and see where you fit in better. Hopefully you have the opportunity to choose which school you will attend!

 

[Blackpope83]

doesnt ucla only have maximum of 10 hours of lecture a week (not including patient-doctoring practice of course)? that awesome! i think UCSD is like 9-4 everyday or 4 days a week (as my friend who is a MS1 there tells me). i would rather take the 10 hours of lecture a week, and use the rest of the time to self study, which i find is much more effective.

UCSD Schedule:

M: 9a-11a; 1p-2p; 4p-5p (4H)
Tu: 9a-11a (2H)
W: 9a-11a; 1p-4p (5H)
Th: 8a-11a (3H)
F: 9a-11a; 1p-2p (3H)

Total Hrs/wk = 17H

http://meded.ucsd.edu/ugme/schedules_calendars/block_schedule/first_year/

Can someone provide the UCLA schedule?

For those who are interested, do the UCLA/UCSD comparison. They seem pretty even there too.

http://www.amsa.org/premed/medsurvey/

 

[LadyDoc2]

This has to be one of the most short sighted comments I've seen in a while.

Im not going to bother with the hot girls comment.
The people at UCSD, (students, faculty etc) are amazing. Brilliant people who do care about science/medicine.

La Jolla is gorgeous and San Diego can be a fun city and has many different niches. Obviously its smaller than Los Angeles, and much less congested.
Both schools are top notch institutions and have great living conditions.

Please, don't waste our time disparaging a great school and city.

no offense to anyone, but UCSD seriously sucks. It's a good school, but the people there, and the town where it's located, and the curriculum....😱

honestly, the best thing about sandiego is that it is a couple minutes from tijuana. that's the only reason why id even consider SD (and those *****s are closing tijuana soon so now we have nothing but the chargers).

now UCLA rocks. everything: the area (bel air....!), westwood, LA, hot girls (i swear), great research, and all around very good.

 

[paranoid_eyes]

This has to be one of the most short sighted comments I've seen in a while.
Both schools are top notch institutions and have great living conditions.

first of all, la jolla is boring. i am not kidding, especially if you are from a big city.

second, i never said UCSD was bad. It is an AMAZING school, but there isn't much else to SD besides that.

to me, the reputation isnt the only thing i look for in a school. I want a city where I can do something besides study. if all you look for in a school is it's reputation and like the fact that la jolla is a giant retirement community, then be my guest and stay. not everyone is like you (and not everyone is like me) so don't attack me 👎.

 

[Blackpope83]

first of all, la jolla is boring. i am not kidding, especially if you are from a big city.

second, i never said UCSD was bad. It is an AMAZING school, but there isn't much else to SD besides that.

to me, the reputation isnt the only thing i look for in a school. I want a city where I can do something besides study. if all you look for in a school is it's reputation and like the fact that la jolla is a giant retirement community, then be my guest and stay. not everyone is like you (and not everyone is like me) so don't attack me 👎.

You act like you will be imprisoned in La Jolla if you go to UCSD. Obviously you are not from San Diego. There are other places to hang out in San Diego: Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, North Park, Hillcrest (awesome food), Downtown, Leucadia, etc.

Seriously, man...Seriously...

 

[LadyDoc2]

I am from Los Angeles, which last time I checked, is a big city. I spent 5 years in San Diego and loved every second of it. If you are a hermit and stay in La Jolla everyday, then yes, you might be bored.

I love big cities also and San Diego has a lot to offer, from beach areas with great bars etc, to the Hillcrest/Northpark area with great bars, to Downtown, which has night clubs, bars, pubs, food etc. I really don't think San Diego is "boring". But then again, if you are unadventurous then, yes, you will be bored, and by all means, don't go to UCSD.

good luck though, I hope you get into both.

first of all, la jolla is boring. i am not kidding, especially if you are from a big city.

second, i never said UCSD was bad. It is an AMAZING school, but there isn't much else to SD besides that.

to me, the reputation isnt the only thing i look for in a school. I want a city where I can do something besides study. if all you look for in a school is it's reputation and like the fact that la jolla is a giant retirement community, then be my guest and stay. not everyone is like you (and not everyone is like me) so don't attack me 👎.

give me a break, i didnt attack you. but, you did say UCSD sucked, which is offensive. Get thicker skin.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Accepted to both; definitely would pick UCLA over UCSD. My overwhelming impression based on the students I met at SD was that they're not happy down there. If your tour guides can't work up the enthusiasm to sell the school, even a little bit, it's really not a good sign. One of them even read, in a monotone voice while looking down, a paragraph from some brochure WHILE GIVING THE TOUR. Their curriculum is not just traditional, it's a haphazard collection of independent classes with little coordination between them (like undergrad) and (this is by hearsay) professors who tend to test heavily their own, esoteric research. There is virtually no exposure to patients in the first two years. They're reforming their curriculum but the changes won't be in place for us (class of 2012).

As a 4th year at UCSD I don't think this is completely accurate. Perhpas your tour guide is not happy, I have no idea. I can only speak for myself and my friends but I think satisfaction is quite high. I don't know about the current MS1/2s, I don't see them much.

I don't remember any questions about esoteric research done by my professors during the first two years at all.

The student-run free clinic is extensive and always in need of help. If you were motivated, you could work with patients and learn from 4th years and attendings for twelve hours/week (evenings and elective time) at three different clinic sites. It is not mandatory but the opportunity is there. You can alternatively do preclinical elective rotations in any specialty -- and work with patients there too.

 

[Blackpope83]

I will go out on a limb and say that Paranoid eyes is a UCLA undergrad. Just a hunch.

 

[paranoid_eyes]

look it's just my opinion. some people may share that opinion. most people i know at UCSD find it horrendous (undergrad and med) because it is obsolete of social events.

again, there may be things to do in SD, but i personally haven't seen anything from the trips ive made down there to my summer home...

make your decision based on things you find important, and visit the city (and live there for a weekend) to see if it's something you want to commit four years to.

yea i am a ucla undergrad....so what?

 

[lord_jeebus]

first of all, la jolla is boring.

This is true.

That's why I lived in Hillcrest for four years. I took the free shuttle to campus for class.

 

[Blackpope83]

As a 4th year at UCSD I don't think this is completely accurate. Perhpas your tour guide is not happy, I have no idea. I can only speak for myself and my friends but I think satisfaction is quite high. I don't know about the current MS1/2s, I don't see them much.

I don't remember any questions about esoteric research done by my professors during the first two years at all.

The student-run free clinic is extensive and always in need of help. If you were motivated, you could work with patients and learn from 4th years and attendings for twelve hours/week (evenings and elective time) at three different clinic sites. It is not mandatory but the opportunity is there. You can alternatively do preclinical elective rotations in any specialty -- and work with patients there too.

What do you think about the way the curriculum is structured? Do you feel it prepared you for your boards/clinical years?

 

[LadyDoc2]

This is true.

That's why I lived in Hillcrest for four years. I took the free shuttle to campus for class.

I lived in Hillcrest too! Right by Sushi Deli, and the Hillcrest shuttle was so easy.

 

[Blackpope83]

I lived in Hillcrest too! Right by Sushi Deli, and the Hillcrest shuttle was so easy.

I lived pretty close to the Chipotle on 8th Ave. I drove myself b/c I'm too lazy to walk to the shuttle stop. heh.

 

[Blackpope83]

look it's just my opinion. some people may share that opinion. most people i know at UCSD find it horrendous (undergrad and med) because it is obsolete of social events.

again, there may be things to do in SD, but i personally haven't seen anything from the trips ive made down there to my summer home...

make your decision based on things you find important, and visit the city (and live there for a weekend) to see if it's something you want to commit four years to.

yea i am a ucla undergrad....so what?

Nothing. I just hear this same banter, nearly verbatim, from UCLA undergrads a lot.

 

[Boojeee]

Seriously? Are you people arguing over which school is better? Ridiculous. Both are amazing schools that you are lucky to be accepted to.

To the OP: I don't know much about the hospital at UCSD, but I know UCLA is opening a brand new hospital soon (or is it open now?) so maybe take that into account as well 🙂

 

[Blackpope83]

Seriously? Are you people arguing over which school is better? Ridiculous. Both are amazing schools that you are lucky to be accepted to.

To the OP: I don't know much about the hospital at UCSD, but I know UCLA is opening a brand new hospital soon (or is it open now?) so maybe take that into account as well 🙂

I don't know about the other people, but I am mostly arguing against the San Diego sucks comment. Especially when they are coming from somebody who has not spent extensive time in San Diego.

 

[paranoid_eyes]

I don't know about the other people, but I am mostly arguing against the San Diego sucks comment. Especially when they are coming from somebody who has not spent extensive time in San Diego.

SD is an amazing school. so is LA. No hate at the school, just disagreement over the city. la jolla isn't for everyone...some seem to love it, some don't.

 

[lord_jeebus]

What do you think about the way the curriculum is structured? Do you feel it prepared you for your boards/clinical years?

It worked very well for me. I broke 260 on both Steps I and II. My clinical evaluations were very strong and I have a lot of confidence in my skills.

It is not the right school for everyone. Group-based learning (which I hate) is not a feature of the curriculum. For someone who learns best from lectures, books, or otherwise on one's own, it's excellent. On the wards, you will not be spoon-fed - individually-driven learning is expected. If you are motivated, you will thrive. If you are lazy, go elsewhere.

 

[pntgrd]

Academically you can't go wrong either way. But in other factors, UCLA probably wins based on location (in Westwood and connected to major undergrad campus), 5k scholarship for everyone first year, and a happier non-competitive vibe.

 

[lord_jeebus]

a happier non-competitive vibe.

I don't recall the part where I had to compete with anyone at UCSD...We have no class rank and no AOA chapter.

UCSD also is connected to a major undergrad campus. I don't see why a major undergrad campus is a consideration in selecting a school though.

Is UCLA really giving everyone $5000? That's awesome if that's the case.

 

[pntgrd]

I don't recall the part where I had to compete with anyone at UCSD...We have no class rank and no AOA chapter.

UCSD also is connected to a major undergrad campus. I don't see why a major undergrad campus is a consideration in selecting a school though.

Is UCLA really giving everyone $5000? That's awesome if that's the case.

Doesn't UCSD have grades, while UCLA is P/F?
Yes, UCLA gives everyone $5000.

 

[LadyDoc2]

UCSD is Honors/P/NP as far as I know, and i think some classes are just P/NP. WHen i interviewed there, the students mentioned that the admin was thinking about nixing the honors since it really does not matter
and the competative rumor seems to be false, but again, this is coming from my friends who go there and are very happy.

Doesn't UCSD have grades, while UCLA is P/F?
Yes, UCLA gives everyone $5000.

 

[j-weezy]

Doesn't UCSD have grades, while UCLA is P/F?
Yes, UCLA gives everyone $5000.

why don't they just make tuition 5k cheaper?

 

[pntgrd]

why don't they just make tuition 5k cheaper?

I think that a lot of cost of living quotes given by med schools are inflated to be larger than they really are so that it makes it easier to obtain different loans and scholarships which increase as student costs increase.

 

[BurnEmUpBears]

Accepted to both,

I'd have to say UCLA due to the more balanced curriculum, the hospital (ranked #3, new Reagan hospital is awesome and is opening now), the incredible housing, and... having a football team?

UCSD has the best weather in the world (I grew up like 10 minutes away from the campus), student-run clinics, and the beach.

Los Angeles has the all benefits of a big city, but also suffers from urban sprawl/congestion/smog. San Diego is slightly less exciting, but La Jolla and the surroundings are incredibly beautiful.

 

[r536]

did not get the chance to interview at UCLA, but when i was in UCSD, the students said that UCLA students get WAITLISTED on core clinical rotations. others have to travel 75miles away from school to get to their rotation hospitals...any UCLA students here to comment on this...

 

[UCLAstudent]

did not get the chance to interview at UCLA, but when i was in UCSD, the students said that UCLA students get WAITLISTED on core clinical rotations. others have to travel 75miles away from school to get to their rotation hospitals...any UCLA students here to comment on this...

None of the above is true. Nobody gets waitlisted for anything. You have lots of options in terms of where to do your rotations (Cedars-Sinai, Harbor-UCLA, Olive View, Kaiser Sunset, Santa Monica-UCLA, West LA VA, Sepulveda VA, and UCLA Medical Center). Most sites are located within 5 miles of UCLA. The furthest sites are Olive View and Harbor-UCLA, which are 15-20 miles from UCLA.

 

[ihatescience]

Isn't UCSD right by the beach?

 

[UCLAstudent]

Can someone provide the UCLA schedule?

Lecture from 10AM to noon, Monday through Friday. PBL Monday and Friday, 8AM to 10AM. Monday and Friday afternoons are free. Histopathology/anatomy/Doctoring are on Tuesday through Thursday afternoon, from 1PM to 3:30 or 4:00.

 

[go lakers]

Accepted to both,

I'd have to say UCLA due to the more balanced curriculum, the hospital (ranked #3, new Reagan hospital is awesome and is opening now), the incredible housing, and... having a football team?

UCSD has the best weather in the world (I grew up like 10 minutes away from the campus), student-run clinics, and the beach.

Los Angeles has the all benefits of a big city, but also suffers from urban sprawl/congestion/smog. San Diego is slightly less exciting, but La Jolla and the surroundings are incredibly beautiful.

well said

 

[silverlining1]

worry about this after getting accepted to both

Hey - you sent me a PM but I can't reply - it says you cannot receive PMs. Send me an email address if you want... but my answer to your question is "yes, and how do you know him?"

 

[80ruby]

I have the perspective of graduating medical school at UCSD and doing my residency at UCLA and other hospitals which UCLA med students rotate through (Ceders/Harbor/VA). When I was deciding between medical schools I remember being so focused on the preclinical years (traditional vs. case based) This really doesn't matter as you will learn the same stuff at any med school in the country. What does matter is the clinical experience in the 3rd and 4th years so it is wise to ask about this at any school you go to. The point I want to make is that the clinical years at UCSD are organized very well at a variety of hospitals (UCSD Hillcrest/Thorton, VA, Scripps, Navy, Childrens) and you have a very defined role on the team w/ the residents/attendings w/ defined teaching roles. My experience is that that the UCLA students have a much less organized clinical role and are sometimes lost. Also there is much less teaching on the wards. Also I did many more procedures (eg chest tubes, lac repair, I/Ds, delivering babies, paracentesis, lumbar puncture etc) at UCSD than I see the UCLA studnets doing. Anyway sorry for the long post, just trying to help.

 

[Asparta]

I have acceptances to both and I'm choosing UCLA!!!

GO BRUINS!

UCLA JUST climbed to #9 on US NEWS ...if ranking matters to you....that's an improvement from #13 indeed. And I think that shows something, if UCLA hospital is getting better and research funding is increasing, etc. etc.

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/mdr/search


Talking to students at both places though, I have to say that UCLA students are more balanced and generally happier. They have a bit more time (esp ms1/2) compared to UCSD students, given that they have less lecture time. this gives them time to do WHATEVER they want--hence finding balance in their own lives.

I dont think I can sit in long boring lectures every single day...which in the end, you have to end up learning on your own. Sorry SD.

There's so much more to do in LA. Everything in SD is so spread apart.

AND you can meet lots of interesting cool people at UCLA too. There's always so much going on, so if you're single like me, it's simply more opportunities to find a special someone?? High density and lots of hot people = more chances indeed! 😀

 

[Drogba]

It worked very well for me. I broke 260 on both Steps I and II. My clinical evaluations were very strong and I have a lot of confidence in my skills.

It is not the right school for everyone. Group-based learning (which I hate) is not a feature of the curriculum. For someone who learns best from lectures, books, or otherwise on one's own, it's excellent. On the wards, you will not be spoon-fed - individually-driven learning is expected. If you are motivated, you will thrive. If you are lazy, go elsewhere.

Could you please tell me what medical school is lazy-friendly?

 

[lord_jeebus]

Could you please tell me what medical school is lazy-friendly?

Schools with generous 3rd year grading systems. For instance Stanford is pure +/-. Other schools give H's to a high percentage of students.

Schools with light call schedules for students. You will spend a lot busy nights at UCSD. Depending on your style, these can either be valuable learning experiences where you can take extra responsibility, or a hellish diversion from your own bed.