UCSD vs. Hopkins

[dreamerandbeliever]

With only a few days left before the April 30th deadline, I find myself struggling to make a comfortable decision between UCSD and Hopkins.

Points to consider: Cost of attendance approx. the same after small scholarship from Hopkins. 100% intend to pursue a residency in California. My dream residency would by at Stanford/LA/SF, in a surgical subspecialty (or so I think). I am a California resident and absolutely love it here. If i were to go to Hopkins, I would plan to return for residency.

After visiting UCSD, I was impressed with the student body and the sense I got from them (laid-back, yet hardworking, very much like myself). I love the city of San Diego and dream about sunny beaches while I cycle along the coast. I am convinced I would be unbelievably happy. My heart and emotions --> UCSD

Hopkins thoroughly impressed me as an institution. I believe that it would challenge me to a greater degree and open more doors for me professionally. I don't think Baltimore is a great place to spend my 20's, but its not like I am going to medical school to party anyway. My rationale and brain ---> Hopkins

Would I be missing out on an unbelievable opportunity if I choose to attend UCSD over Hopkins? Obviously there is a certain level of prestige associated with Hopkins, and I am nervous about potentially regretting choosing UCSD over Hopkins in years to come.

Any advice would be great! This has been melting me over the past 2 weeks.

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[Pickme99]

No loss either way, but I would choose Hopkins no contest. The prestige is unreal. Congratulations

 

[blueharbor]

UCSD all the way. You want to do residency in California anyway. UCSD will only open doors for you in that regard. I know how tempting it is to go with the prestige but...please choose La Jolla. For my sake, and the sake of everyone who wishes they could spend 4 years in La Jolla.

Edit: Took out my dig at Hopkins students. Some of them are alright. 😉

 

[samsunimomo]

Have you seen what's going on in Baltimore right now? The governor just declared a state of emergency. Looks like JHU is asking all students to remain at school.
On the other hand, La Jolla is heaven on earth. There is no city in the continental U.S. that can compare to its beauty. (And this is coming from a post-interview rejectee)
Going to JHU will in no way hold you back from pursuing a residency in California, however.
In the end, you have to go where you are the happiest. You are going to get an incredible education in both locations.

 

[tenniseagle92]

Congratulations on such awesome options! Hopkins does have slightly more prestige, but if you want to stay in CA for sure to do residency, then UCSD could be your better option. This year, 10 Hopkins students matched to CA total. That is definitely chock-full of internal biases, but most UC schools send the vast majority of their students to CA residencies (well above 50%). I couldn't find UCSD's list, but UCI's and UCLA's (which were more readily accessible to me) prove that the UCs really go above and beyond in sending kids to CA.

From what you've said, I say go UCSD. Happiness > Prestige, any day.