I realize both schools have great science programs, and I can't really go wrong with either, but I still have a decision to make, and I can't seem to make it without some more input.
USCD is ranked higher, more prestige, and whatnot, but I didn't get the Neurobiology major that I wanted there, so I would have to apply for the major after 3 quarters there. Right now I would be entering into the school undeclared. If I don't get it, I plan on majoring in Cognitive Science, because that interests me as well. Its a complication, and it makes me hesitate for a second, but I don't think it should be a reason to reject the school, but it has discouraged me. Also I have heard that because the pre-med population at UCSD is so large, the competition there is much harder, and it is harder to find research. I need to keep up my GPA for med school applications, and I know that might be much harder to do here.
UCD, however, has given me slightly more money in the way of scholarships and grants. I got the Neuro/Physio/Behavior major I wanted at Davis, and I was also invited to the Integrated Studies Honors program there, which will give me guaranteeed housing and early registration for some courses. Davis also doesn't have a repuatation for having tough curves, so it would be much easier to maintain a high GPA for med school applications. Davis does have a nice advising facility and plenty of student-run clinics on campus, so its not like it would complement a premed college path. The research oppurtunities it offers wouldn't be on the same level as SD, however, with their highly prestigious neuroscience insitution.
It's definitely a tough decision to make, and I visited both campuses, and while people seemed much more stressed at SD, I think I would find a way to keep myself happy, and I believe I would fit in at either school. I'm completely 50/50 right now, I need some knowledge that could tip this scale. Know I'm not afraid to be studious, I've managed to maintain a 4.35 weighted and 3.89 unweighted GPA at a fairly demanding high school, which might not mean anything when I actually get into college, but I do work hard.
USCD is ranked higher, more prestige, and whatnot, but I didn't get the Neurobiology major that I wanted there, so I would have to apply for the major after 3 quarters there. Right now I would be entering into the school undeclared. If I don't get it, I plan on majoring in Cognitive Science, because that interests me as well. Its a complication, and it makes me hesitate for a second, but I don't think it should be a reason to reject the school, but it has discouraged me. Also I have heard that because the pre-med population at UCSD is so large, the competition there is much harder, and it is harder to find research. I need to keep up my GPA for med school applications, and I know that might be much harder to do here.
UCD, however, has given me slightly more money in the way of scholarships and grants. I got the Neuro/Physio/Behavior major I wanted at Davis, and I was also invited to the Integrated Studies Honors program there, which will give me guaranteeed housing and early registration for some courses. Davis also doesn't have a repuatation for having tough curves, so it would be much easier to maintain a high GPA for med school applications. Davis does have a nice advising facility and plenty of student-run clinics on campus, so its not like it would complement a premed college path. The research oppurtunities it offers wouldn't be on the same level as SD, however, with their highly prestigious neuroscience insitution.
It's definitely a tough decision to make, and I visited both campuses, and while people seemed much more stressed at SD, I think I would find a way to keep myself happy, and I believe I would fit in at either school. I'm completely 50/50 right now, I need some knowledge that could tip this scale. Know I'm not afraid to be studious, I've managed to maintain a 4.35 weighted and 3.89 unweighted GPA at a fairly demanding high school, which might not mean anything when I actually get into college, but I do work hard.
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