UCSD v UCD Undergrad

[Idyllic]

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.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[riceman04]

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.

not sure why you posted here...but I am an M1 at UCSD SOM

and these undergrads here SUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!! I am surprised at how dead this place is. And La Jolla is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too yuppie...i.e. it is NOT a college town.

I see that you are currently entranced with the idea of medicine/science/etc.....Yes, UCSD and UCD are both strong - albeit UCSD is a bit more prestigious. But, I am willing to bet you will have a much more well rounded college experience at Davis than at UCD.

UCSD = laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame undergrad

 

[JokerMD]

stay close to your family if possible...it can help in tough times 👍

 

[Idyllic]

Oh, was this not the right forum to post in? Sorry I'm new here. Thanks for your opinion though, its always good to get more information.

 

[jslo85]

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.

Yeah I realize he posted in the wrong section but I'll go ahead and post anyway since I don't want to bother replying to wherever his other thread will be.

I'm a UCD alumni from 2007. Began my major in MCB and switched later to a B.S. in psychology after I realized I didn't want to do the upper division MCB labs. Anyway NPB major is pretty popular and a UCD only major as it is a hybrid of several fields of science. You will take all the pre-reqs same as the other pre-med students as well as the entire NPB series. The advising actually is terrible and there is little to nothing to do but your fellow students and friends that you will undoubtedly make will probably make your Davis experience a good one if you choose to go there.

The undergraduate classes I actually felt apart from the NPB series was rather weak. You will take most of your classes in the south side of campus near the Silo in either the SLB or Chem 194 or Kleiber Hall. I'd shy away from certain professors as well and taking certain classes that are not required for your major.

Overall I'd pick UCSD if you're looking for a better academic experience (have 3-4 cousins graduating/attending there) but I had no serious issues with my UG experience at Davis.

 

[Idyllic]

Once again, thanks for the input, and I was told by someone that advising there was actually pretty good, but then again it may have been a biased opinion.

Also where is this supposed to be? Maybe I can repost it in the right section.

 

[oze]

yeah yeah he posted in the wrong place whatever. mods will move it eventually.

I didn't go to either undergrad but I've lived in both towns. Yes, La Jolla is way yuppy - but downtown SD is 15 minutes away and - oh god - the beach, how I miss it so. if research is your bag, SD might be the way to go. my brother went to UCSD and he seemed happy with it, and did well in his own med school hunt.

Davis has been surprisingly a cool little town. enough to do and if you get bored you can day trip it to San Francisco or the mountains, or go down the road to Sactomato. I have not yet experienced the hellish summer weather so can't speak to that.

as far as the students go, the Davis kids I know are way more relaxed than the SD kids I've known over the years, and I know they have a bunch (7) of student run clinics in Sactown they can volunteer at.

in summary, since I haven't really said much, go wherever you feel at home because it doesn't really matter what school you go to as long as you hump it in the classroom.

 

[alibai3ah]

I'm also a UCD alumni and I had a bit of a different experience than the post above. I always felt like I had things to do. It's a really fun place. The town is small sure, but there are always sports, clubs, parties, outings, etc. available. Sacramento isn't too far either.

In terms of academics, I think UC Davis is pretty comparable to UCSD. I was a NPB major and some classes could be challenging at times, but nothing that was overwhelming. Again I disagree with the post above, b/c my pre medical counseling/advising was great. I was always able to get appointments and people were always REALLY helpful.

There are lots of opportunities for research at UC Davis as well as at the UC Davis Medical Center. The biotech field is probably not AS booming as UCSD, but for medical schools I think UCD will suffice.

I've been successful this application cycle so apparently UC Davis can get you far. Having many friends at UCSD tell me how miserable they are, I think UC Davis would be a good place for you. It may not be as academically strong, but the overall college experience will be much better at UCD than UCSD.

 

[pl2gid9sdms]

I'm also a UCD alumni and I had a bit of a different experience than the post above. I always felt like I had things to do. It's a really fun place. The town is small sure, but there are always sports, clubs, parties, outings, etc. available. Sacramento isn't too far either.

In terms of academics, I think UC Davis is pretty comparable to UCSD. I was a NPB major and some classes could be challenging at times, but nothing that was overwhelming. Again I disagree with the post above, b/c my pre medical counseling/advising was great. I was always able to get appointments and people were always REALLY helpful.

There are lots of opportunities for research at UC Davis as well as at the UC Davis Medical Center. The biotech field is probably not AS booming as UCSD, but for medical schools I think UCD will suffice.

I've been successful this application cycle so apparently UC Davis can get you far. Having many friends at UCSD tell me how miserable they are, I think UC Davis would be a good place for you. It may not be as academically strong, but the overall college experience will be much better at UCD than UCSD.

I totally agree with the previous poster. As a recent UCD grad, former pre-med, former UCD tour guide and now successful medical school applicant, I want to assure you that you will get a quality education and well rounded experience pre-med experience at UCD.

Do not underestimate the benefit of having early registration during your first couple years in school. As budgets get tighter and classes get smaller, this will undoubtedly help you.

As for research, UCD has tons of resources that help undergraduates get involved in research. The Internship and Career Center, your major office and Health Sciences Advising will provide you will everything you need to know. You might be interested in Neuro research now, but stepping onto campus you will find a great number of professors researching some of the most esoteric things that you can’t help but want to get involved. Furthermore, UCD leads the nation in Autism research at the MIND Institute on the Medical Center Campus – another place where you’ll find a wealth of opportunities to get involved. In terms of advising, as a student who made it into medical school with the help of the pre-med advisors at UC Davis, I can say that at the very least, they are sufficient.

Aside from academics, UC Davis is located in a very cultured and eclectic college town minutes from Sacramento. You will only be bored if you want to be bored. Throughout your classes you will be surrounded by other pre-meds and pre-vets (we have a great vet school) that will be there to walk through tough nights and even tougher exams with you.

 

[vitty]

I am glad to see all my fellow UCD alumni sticking up for our school. As was mentioned in the previous post, UCD has a lot of great opportunities for research, clinical exposure as well as health outreach. This is also true for UCSD and to be honest they have probably have more (with the exception of the amount of student run clinics). However, Davis has more to offer than you can possibly take advantage of. We have top notch medical and basic science research with plenty of opportunities to get involved. As for clinical stuff, we have the level one trauma center in Sac with tons of opportunities to shadow in the ER, OR and other departments. In addition, we have seven student run clinics where you work along side of med students and doctors to treat undeserved patients. This was by far my most rewarding experience because not only do you get a lot of hands on medical exposure but you also help people and empower them to live healthier lives.

As far as academics go, Davis is really good and especially since you are IS you will have a lot of opportunities to get to know professors and do projects with them. Many of my friends were in the program and it is a really good thing to put down on a med school application. Plus you get first choice when registering for classes which is amazing in your first two years of classes. Bedsides that, UCSD and Davis are probably the exact same in this regard... ochem is ochem, physio is physio etc...

I was rejected from UCSD way back when I was applying to college but I couldn't be happier that I went to Davis. I hear UCSD is very ridged when it comes to switching majors and colleges. Davis is pretty laid back but offers some really great experiences. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good Luck!