ucsd versus uc davis

[oldfart1997]

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What do y'all think?

I am in at UCSD, and "top half" waitlisted at UC-Davis. I might be jumping the gun a little but I'm guessing there is a chance I will have to make this decision in the future... .

Despite the vehement defense by some of UCSD on this forum, I am still convinced that the myth is a reality and it is pretty glum at UCSD for the average med school student with average intelligence/memory during your first two years, due to the hard core approach. This is after talking to 8 or so current first or second years during interview day and 2nd look weekend. Granted, there was one first year I talked to (who was an alum of my undergrad) who told me it was not bad. Everything else about the school seems great, that being location and cost. Would go there in a heartbeat if not for the reputation.

UC Davis, only went for the interview, students seemed really well-rounded and satisfied by their experience there. Other plus was the age (I'm 27, average start is 25). The faculty (at least admissions and my interviewer) appeared progressive and willing to innovate. Students I met were awesome. I guess the only downside I see is the "ranking" of Davis. It's still hard for me to look past those silly rankings, even though the match list of Davis is overall comparable to SD. Other relative negative is the location, although I don't think that will bother me much.

I want to do a specialty with a good lifestyle upside (in other words competitive, like derm or rads). Any thoughts?

 

[Elastase]

What do y'all think?

I am in at UCSD, and "top half" waitlisted at UC-Davis. I might be jumping the gun a little but I'm guessing there is a chance I will have to make this decision in the future... .

Despite the vehement defense by some of UCSD on this forum, I am still convinced that the myth is a reality and it is pretty glum at UCSD for the average med school student with average intelligence/memory during your first two years, due to the hard core approach. This is after talking to 8 or so current first or second years during interview day and 2nd look weekend. Granted, there was one first year I talked to (who was an alum of my undergrad) who told me it was not bad. Everything else about the school seems great, that being location and cost. Would go there in a heartbeat if not for the reputation.

UC Davis, only went for the interview, students seemed really well-rounded and satisfied by their experience there. Other plus was the age (I'm 27, average start is 25). The faculty (at least admissions and my interviewer) appeared progressive and willing to innovate. Students I met were awesome. I guess the only downside I see is the "ranking" of Davis. It's still hard for me to look past those silly rankings, even though the match list of Davis is overall comparable to SD. Other relative negative is the location, although I don't think that will bother me much.

I want to do a specialty with a good lifestyle upside (in other words competitive, like derm or rads). Any thoughts?

I would personally choose Davis over SD. I got into Davis but didn't even bother finishing the SD secondary. I was very impressed by the school/hospitals.

I was going to say go ahead and go with Davis, but really Davis is much more primary care focused.

If you want to do a specialty, it might be worth going to SD based on their higher research rank reputation (they have more resources, and you will need to research to match into those top residencies). What I'm saying is that its probably more likely/easier to get into a specialty by being at SD, but you could still do it at Davis. Either way, expect to work hard for it (matching).

 

[notdeadyet]

What do y'all think?

I think you've done the right analysis on this, and your conclusions are pretty sound. You just need to decide for yourself. If you want to lean towards raw rankings, UCSD is higher. If you want to lean towards better student quality of life, UCD seems better (from speaking to several folks at both schools).

One thing to keep in mind that I think people overlook. Given the exact same scores from two schools, the applicant from the "better" school will probably be given the slot at the competitive residency. But you are MUCH more likely to perform better and get better scores where you are happy.

And UCD and UCSD ain't light years apart. A mediocre performance at UCSD will make you MUCH less competitive than a strong performance at UCD.

You're looking at this the right way. Best of luck with your decision...

 

[firebird69guy]

What do y'all think?

I am in at UCSD, and "top half" waitlisted at UC-Davis. I might be jumping the gun a little but I'm guessing there is a chance I will have to make this decision in the future... .

Despite the vehement defense by some of UCSD on this forum, I am still convinced that the myth is a reality and it is pretty glum at UCSD for the average med school student with average intelligence/memory during your first two years, due to the hard core approach. This is after talking to 8 or so current first or second years during interview day and 2nd look weekend. Granted, there was one first year I talked to (who was an alum of my undergrad) who told me it was not bad. Everything else about the school seems great, that being location and cost. Would go there in a heartbeat if not for the reputation.

UC Davis, only went for the interview, students seemed really well-rounded and satisfied by their experience there. Other plus was the age (I'm 27, average start is 25). The faculty (at least admissions and my interviewer) appeared progressive and willing to innovate. Students I met were awesome. I guess the only downside I see is the "ranking" of Davis. It's still hard for me to look past those silly rankings, even though the match list of Davis is overall comparable to SD. Other relative negative is the location, although I don't think that will bother me much.

I want to do a specialty with a good lifestyle upside (in other words competitive, like derm or rads). Any thoughts?

Hi oldfart... First, congratulations on getting into a UC. That's impressive! I'm also "top-half" waitlisted at UC Davis. UC Davis has been my #1 choice all along, mainly because of its clinical excellence and proximity to all of my friends and family. I can't imagine going to another school, but am in back east and waitlisted at Loma Linda. I don't think the ranking of Davis should dissuade you. Sure, UCSD is much harder to get into, but you'll get a competitive residency if you went to either. Remember, UC Davis is overhauling the curriculum, and I believe med school will be demanding no matter where you go (especially if you want to do well on the boards). IMO, a tougher program will make you work harder > potentially better board scores > better residency. The location of Davis is not too bad. Sacramento is a classy town. The med school area isn't the greatest, as you have seen, but overall it isn't too bad. I say "suckramento" mostly because there is not much to do here. Still, I enjoy the slower pace of life, which is why I went to UC Davis for undergrad. It helped me focus a little bit more, and I went to San Fran and Tahoe to have my fun. Anyways, fellow waitlister, I wish the best for you in your decision.. Remember, there will be people waitlisted at both schools that will try to dissuade you from going there for one reason or another. Follow your heart and be the best doctor you can be..


Good luck!

 

[notdeadyet]

Remember, there will be people waitlisted at both schools that will try to dissuade you from going there for one reason or another.

Veeeeerrrrrrrry good advice. Ridiculous to have to think along such lines.... <sigh>

 

[firebird69guy]

Veeeeerrrrrrrry good advice. Ridiculous to have to think along such lines.... <sigh>

tsk tsk.. such is the premed mentality. I just hope it's beaten to death by the time these people make it to med school.

 

[mintendo]

Hmm, Jessica Alba or Jessica Simpson...

Seriously you can't go wrong with either choice.

 

[firebird69guy]

Hmm, Jessica Alba or Jessica Simpson...

Seriously you can't go wrong with either choice.

DEFINITELY Jessica Alba.. =)

 

[Depakote]

DEFINITELY Jessica Alba.. =)

Agreed.

Now all we have to do is figure out how likely it is that Jessica Alba becomes Jessica Alba-Simpson

 

[akaz]

I like UCSD for te science, but know nothing about UC davis

Agreed.

Now all we have to do is figure out how likely it is that Jessica Alba becomes Jessica Alba-Simpson

 

[SeventhSon]

i never understood why people who are trying to match into competitive residencies "complain" (using that word loosely) about rigorous curricula.

It depends on your personality. If you think you are going to work harder in response to the more rigorous curriculum, i think ucsd makes sense. If it won't matter, pick davis.

Hope we're classmates if that's the right choice for you.

cheers

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

I went to UCSD for undergrad, and I applied to all the UCs for med school except UCSD. I love the location, but I feel the culture of the school, plainly put, sucks a**. Now I'm not saying that one can't have fun at the school - school is what you make of it, and there are plenty of social outlets and good times to be had. Also, the research opportunities are top notch. However, the Administration at the school is unresponsive and even antagonistic towards the student body, and the overall attitude of faculty and science students (IMO) is more negative than positive. I had repeatedly heard similar complaints about the med school, so I choose not to apply there.
I'm not really sure what to think about Davis. I've turned it down to go to another school, but I think I could have been pretty happy there. I was definitely turned off by the transition period that students will have to endure for the first six months (it might be a little rough at times as they work out the kinks.) Overall, I think it's a good school that will only get better over time.

 

[instigata]

I went to UCSD for undergrad, and I applied to all the UCs for med school except UCSD. I love the location, but I feel the culture of the school, plainly put, sucks a**. Now I'm not saying that one can't have fun at the school - school is what you make of it, and there are plenty of social outlets and good times to be had. Also, the research opportunities are top notch. However, the Administration at the school is unresponsive and even antagonistic towards the student body, and the overall attitude of faculty and science students (IMO) is more negative than positive. I had repeatedly heard similar complaints about the med school, so I choose not to apply there.
I'm not really sure what to think about Davis. I've turned it down to go to another school, but I think I could have been pretty happy there. I was definitely turned off by the transition period that students will have to endure for the first six months (it might be a little rough at times as they work out the kinks.) Overall, I think it's a good school that will only get better over time.

hmm...I go to UCSD right now I have definitely felt the lack of social environment, and sometimes I might see two or three people all weekend (I live on campus). However, I disagree with what you said about the antagonism towards the student body. I have met MANY faculty members who have been nothing but kind and curteous to me. Of course I have met the few faculty members who despise pre-meds just because they are pre-meds 😡 but what kind of school doesn't have those kinds of professors, especially with such a large body of faculty members. Now I am not sure if this applies to medical school, but I think there is even less antagonism towards the student body in medical school because of the fact that they WANT you to succeed through their program. Just my 2 cent$. I know this didn't really answer the OP's questions but thougth I would write it.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

However, I disagree with what you said about the antagonism towards the student body. I have met MANY faculty members who have been nothing but kind and curteous to me.

Though it may seem like splitting hairs, I said that the administration is antagonistic, not the faculty, and that some of the faculty was negative. That's an important distinction to make. And if you dont agree that the administration is antagonstic towards undergrads, its probably because you havent been there long enough 😉

 

[instigata]

Though it may seem like splitting hairs, I said that the administration is antagonistic, not the faculty, and that some of the faculty was negative. That's an important distinction to make. And if you dont agree that the administration is antagonstic towards undergrads, its probably because you havent been there long enough 😉

ah, my fault I was reading it as faculty. But I have been attending for two years (just finishing my 2nd year in 2 days! 😀 ) and I haven't felt any sort of antagonism...hopefully it stays that way

 

[macaddict78]

UCSD is getting a great assistant dean from U. Iowa COM this year. Dr. Mandel was the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Curriculum and was very approachable and always took into consideration student interests. From my understanding he is actually moving into a full-time dean position (or at least not at the assistant level). I am sure he will make an impact, as U. Iowa always scores well among student-body satisfaction and happiness. our loss is definitely your gain.

 

[dynx]

I think you've done the right analysis on this, and your conclusions are pretty sound. You just need to decide for yourself. If you want to lean towards raw rankings, UCSD is higher. If you want to lean towards better student quality of life, UCD seems better (from speaking to several folks at both schools).

One thing to keep in mind that I think people overlook. Given the exact same scores from two schools, the applicant from the "better" school will probably be given the slot at the competitive residency. But you are MUCH more likely to perform better and get better scores where you are happy.

And UCD and UCSD ain't light years apart. A mediocre performance at UCSD will make you MUCH less competitive than a strong performance at UCD.

You're looking at this the right way. Best of luck with your decision...

I agree with this. Im a 3rd year at UCD but I'll try to give you a balanced impression.

UCSD has a malignant program, from everyone I have talked to this is true. You're gonna be in a more "intense" environment if you go there. This can be a good or bad thing. If you need motivation from others this will drive you and you'll do better. UCD has a more relaxed atmosphere, if you tend to slack off if not pushed you can fall off easily. take an honest look at yourself and decide which is better for you. That said, I dont think with EQUAL performance a student from either school would stand out above another. So go to the school you can do better at. There are a ton of things wrong with davis but ranking is not really one of them that is gonna hurt you. if you have any specific questions IM me.

 

[relentless11]

What do y'all think?

I am in at UCSD, and "top half" waitlisted at UC-Davis. I might be jumping the gun a little but I'm guessing there is a chance I will have to make this decision in the future... .

I'm sure they showed you the facilities in Sac right? The new med school, OR, clinical labs, etc? So just something to think about. But like everyone said both schools are great. I'm at UCD, and I think Davis would be my top choice, but UCSD is near the beach, so temps dont get as high as say yesterday...100F🙁

 

[lord_jeebus]

I'm sure they showed you the facilities in Sac right? The new med school, OR, clinical labs, etc? So just something to think about. But like everyone said both schools are great. I'm at UCD, and I think Davis would be my top choice, but UCSD is near the beach, so temps dont get as high as say yesterday...100F🙁

I'm not going to make another post about UCSD, but whatever schools you're choosing between, facilities should be something like your 20th priority. Just to name a few factors, curriculum that matches your style, cost, location, match list, quality of 3rd and 4th year education (so important but many premeds don't get a single opinion from an MS3, MS4, or recent grad), boards pass rate, average boards scores, research opportunities, public service opportunities, weather, student satisfaction, and student body demographics are all more important. Nice facilities rank between hospital cafeteria food quality and coolness of the school logo.

 

[evade]

I just finished my first year at UC Davis. I know very little about UCSD and thus cannot give you much of a comparison, but I can tell you what I like and what I don't like about UCD.

My absolute favorite thing about UCD is my classmates. Never before have I been surrounded by such a supportive, kind, and brilliant group of individuals. Everyone in my class amazes me. Really, they make it worthwhile. A couple of anal-retentive individuals aside, there is no competition whatsoever. Everyone is very collaborative. I can't imagine how awful med school would be if I weren't going through it with good people. Our faculty is kind and approachable as well. I also like that we get a lot of clinical exposure early on through the student-run clinics.

My least favorite thing is, well, the disorganization. The curriculum needs a lot of work. They're revising it for next year, which is a good step, but I suspect that there will be some bumps in the road, so to speak. It's annoying that the new medical center won't be finished until January; they originally told us that it would be ready for fall quarter. The move will be a pain in the butt.

Overall, I'm very happy here, and I think I made the right decision. I think most of my classmates feel the same way. What's most important is that you go somewhere that you feel at home, because that makes all the difference. Anyway, good luck to you with the waitlist, and with your eventual decision. If you've any questions, feel free to message me. 🙂

 

[oldfart1997]

Thanks everyone for your imput, it's been helpful. I got off the Davis waitlist and have till Friday to make my choice.

Here's my synopsis:
I'm sure my step I scores will be the same at either school (or less at UCSD given the 3.5 weeks they give you to prepare and the detail studying that takes up your free time). I will definitely be happier at Davis, at least for the first two years. Location is not a big deal since SD kids don't seem to have much time to get out. I might have trouble finding research (for summer after MS1) at Davis due to leses funding.

Does anyone have any comments on if there really is any extra "name" advantage associated with a UCSD MD versus a Davis MD in the eyes of residency directors? I can't telll much of a difference from the match lists and SD doesn't seem to be particularly strong in any particular speciality (like LA for optho). Friends tell me to go to SD because it is a "better" school and rankings and prestige-based decisions are sort of the culture I come from, but this one is a tough call.

 

[lord_jeebus]

I will definitely be happier at Davis

I love UCSD, but if you know this, go to Davis.

But make sure you trust the inside info you have from both schools -- I'm talking about MS-III and MS-IV opinions. You seem to be regurgitating "common wisdom" and it's not the same.

 

[scott858]

When US News surveyed residency directors they put UCSD at 4.0/5 and UC Davis at 3.3. However, unscientific that's what they found. UCSD will probably work you into the ground, but you'll know a hell of a lot. I went to UCSD for undergrad and I learned a lot, a huge amount. The undergrad classes are very similar to the Med school classes, several professors teach at both schools and I've heard this from some of my friends who stayed at UCSD for med school, so I think I have a good idea of what will be expected.

Bottom line: if you like research, details, learning how scientists/doctors figured out basic medical principles (instead of memorizing facts without background) then you will thrive at UCSD. I'm at a med school that does not emphasize a research oriented approach to learning and this has pushed me into the MD/PhD program. I can't comment on UC Davis.

 

[chandelantern]

Congrats at getting in off the waitlist!!! I think that if you know you will be happier, UCD is a better choice for you. I have a lot of interaction with current med students at UCD and everyone I have talked to agrees the students there make it a wonderful pace to go to school. As tough as med school can be sometimes, I personally think being in an environment that is supportive and collaborative would be much better than uber-competitive. Depending what type of research you are interested in, I think there are many opportunities at Davis, or you could chose to go to a different school (UCSF?) to do research, no? That being said, I can tell you all I know about UCSD med school is hearsay (although very little positive) and I do know UCD has plenty of negatives too...mostly with the disorganization that was mentioned previously.

About your friends pushing you to go to UCSD...it's alot more difficult when you consider all aspects of the education and your life during that time, and if they're your friends, they will respect that. Believe me, you don't know how many times I hear "you turned down UCSF?!?! What drugs are you on?!?" Go where your heart tells you is right!

 

[Brainsucker]

If you want a cush specialty, as you say you do, you're going to have to impress. The difference between UC Davis and UCSD isn't that great. If you feel like you're going to do better on the boards from Davis, then you shouldn't feel like you're jeopardizing your chances at lifestyle specialty by going there.

 

[LT2]

keep us posted on what you end up deciding and congrats on having such a wonderful predicament!!!