Ucsd

[tesfawMD]

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Hello guys,

I am transfer student who has just been recently accepted to UCSD for fall 2010,and I'm pretty sure I'll end up going there. I been wondering how early I should start looking for research/other extracurricular opportunities since I'm a transfer student and all (I have no research experience by the way). I've also been worried that I might not find any opportunities because of the "fierce competition" I've been hearing about that goes on at the school. Also, just a general question about the school (aimed primarily to transfer students who have attended and graduated from UCSD), how hard is undergrad at UCSD, and I want honest, truthful answers please. How much of the horror stories I hear about undergrad at UCSD is exaggerated and how much is the truth.

Thanks

 

[CaliGirl14]

Start right now. ASAP.

 

[orangele]

I went to UCSD over 20 years ago. I had to work my butt off, and have NEVER EVER worked harder in my life than during my years there. I literally studied virtually every minute of the day. Took my books to the bathtub, when I ate. I honestly do not know if I would do it again because I was so miserable, I nearly killed myself.

Eventually made it to med school (easier than UCSD undergrad for me), where I really did not have to study as much. Alot of smart, motivated people.

 

[d1ony5u5]

I didn't transfer into UCSD, but I did graduate from there and will be attending medschool this fall. So, regarding your general questions:

To make yourself more attractive to medschools, I'd suggest you start out right away. Just do some volunteering or research consistently for a good period of time. This kind of continuity is key.

Finding GOOD research opportunities will be a bit difficult given the competition. You could easily land in a lab, but be limited to washing dishes and making solutions... hardly a GOOD research experience. My best suggestion is this: start out by volunteering your time. It will be easier for you to set some ground rules (like no grunt work) when you are offering free labor. After accumulating significant experience you can hope to get a paid lab job that will not involve mostly menial work. Look into the Faculty Mentor Program, but I'd save it for your last year, as you will be able to use all you have learned in classes by then, and make it more worthwhile.

Good luck.

 

[tesfawMD]

Start right now. ASAP.

I would, but I don't exactly now how to. I live 10 hours away from San Diego, so distance is a huge factor. Is their anyway I can start searching through the net?

 

[rHinO1]

I'm a transfer student graduating from UCSD this year summa cum laude. Ucsd is harder (but only by a little bit). The quarter system moves fast so you have to keep up from day 1. First set of midterms are week 3 or 4!

The faculty mentorship program starts winter quarter, so that gives you 10 weeks to apply after you transfer. It will guarantee you have a meaningful experience with a presentation at the end. I started in my lab with fmp and am still there 1 year after the program ended.

 

[Superman DO]

I transfered into UCSD about 2 years ago, and about to graduate here in June (thank god!). . .I was never really interested in research, sooo I never pursued it while I've been at UCSD; however, if you want some hospital volunteer work, start trying to find a hospital early this summer! Everyone has gone back home during the summer, sooo all the spots open up, so act fast before Fall quarter comes around again and they all get taken. I recommend Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest or Alvarado Hospital just south of La Mesa. Scripps has a solid program that they have established, and the ED is always busy. The docs even let you jump in with certain procedures and traumas. Alvarado also has another great program, and with it being a smaller hospital which not as many people volunteer at, you may have more of an opportunity to get a position that you want. But like I said, jump on these very very soon.

You will work hard at UCSD, but it totally is not super bad. I'm able to manage 4 classes and a 40 hour work week and still make A's and B+'s. Motivate yourself to be a good student, and you should be just fine. The professors are phenomenal, and you will learn a lot. Hopefully, you are transferring with people you know because the hardest part of UCSD for me was finding friends. It is hard to get to know people as a transfer student by just attending class, so maybe join at least one organization to help out with that. That way, you don't feel so alone on campus. . anyways! Good luck to you. . feel free to PM if you want anymore information.