Undergrad - UCB, UCSD, UCI, UCD, Pepperdine, or UNR?

[ryanthepianist]

Hey SDN!! I'm a new user here, so don't bite!

My name is Ryan, and I live in Nevada. After making the most out of my high school experience, I'm ecstatic that I've been accepted to many great schools near home! Now that I've received my last letter, I'm finding it extremely difficult to choose a college to go to. I've planned visits for each already, but I just felt the need to ask where you guys think I should go AND why.

Most of the California schools are in the price range of $55,000 for tuition and additional fees. Surprisingly, Berkeley has offered me the most so far with a $7000 grant because of the Middle Class Access Plan, but that's it. My parents are willing to pay $15000-20,000 for tuition when I last asked them, and I will also get help from my grandparents side since I'm their only grandson, and I will also get help from my grandpa's lifelong friend (he doesn't have kids, so he's willing to help pay for my tuition--it's such a great honor). I'm also waiting for a response from from the twenty one scholarships I applied to so far (average for each is about $1000-5000, and decisions will come out late April), so I hope I'll be offered a decent amount. I'm also willing to take out some loans. However, even with this help, out-of-state costs still haunt me, and I question if it's worth going to a more prestigious school in a different state. Will job opportunities be better? Will employers automatically like me? Will med schools have an unconscious bias when they see I attended a prestigious school?

I understand going to more well-known schools means that the competition there will be more rigorous (especially at UCB and UCSD from what I heard). However, I'm actually planning to be a music major wherever I go, which isn't as tough as a premed biology major. When I study or practice music, even for up to six hours a day, I don't feel it's work, but rather a relaxing activity I love to do. I also can't see myself giving up my instrument, the piano, in college. Thus, I thought it'd be perfect to ease the stress of premed prereqs by majoring in something other than the typical biology major, which is definitely a plus to med ad coms during interviews and such (not a huge plus, however, but still a plus). I feel like I would have more time and energy to focus making the curve in prereq classes, ECs, MCAT studying, etc. even at a competitive school because of my music major. That being said, I feel like I'm ready for whatever competition is ahead of me. (btw I was also accepted to UCLA and UW but I realized their music programs are much longers processes that I don't want to go through since they have schools of music... a department of music is just fine for my educational goals).

My safety school when I applied to colleges was University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). I visited the school, and while they offer music and premed, I feel like it would be unmotivating and maybe even not as tough to do great. Since I'm planning to go to med school, maybe a tougher school would be better to really test my abilities as a student. But then again, maybe I should save money now... BUT then again, spending more money for college will push me to work even harder than if I went to school for much less, especially if the school isn't known like UNR. I'm totally ambivalent.

As a learner, I usually didn't ask too many questions in high school. I managed to maintain a 3.8 UW and 4.5 W GPA without asking excessive questions, but I've told myself my attitude would change in college because, well, it's college. This would mean going in office hours to talk to my professors, and I'm really excited to get to know them. Maybe they'll even write great RECs for me. Basically, I can learn independently to an extent, but I'm willing to ask for help if I really don't get anything now. Will getting help me a huge program at certain schools or is the idea of it being impossible to get help at places like Berkeley overblown?

Also, places like UCB and UCSD offer many opportunities that I don't think UNR can match - socially, academically, extracurricularly, and intellectually. It's exciting to think about going to a great school, and the these opportunities from credited schools on and off campus are very hard to pass on. If I went to UNR, I will always question my life if I went to a more well-known school I think.

I also have to think about medical school. I'm hoping I'll go in state in Nevada either in Reno or Las Vegas to get in-state tuition. OOS or in-state, it will be very expensive too. But you know, if I work hard enough now, my job will pay off my debt in several years. I'm economically conservative (the irony), so I know I can pay back the loans when I have a secure job in the medical field. I've always wanted to become a pediatrician. That's been my dream job since I was little.

All this, and I still have in mind that it doesn't matter what undergrad I go to and what major I pursue. GPA, MCAT, ECs, and something different about me (music for example) are the most important factors in med admissions... but the amount and quality of opportunities (whether it be the types of students, research, etc.) It's almost impossible to pass on in California since I'm worked so hard to earn myself a spot at a UC.

Anyway, that's a background of my dilemma. Obviously my mind is all over the place. Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated during such a stressful time of my life. If you have any questions, please ask! Thank you so much in advance!!!

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[Say]

Hey Ryan,

I, like you, was in a position of picking a school that was a better financial decision or one with more prestige. I made the decision to go to the school that was the better financial decision. That was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I virtually get a full ride, but I have been able to maintain a 4.0 gpa/graduate in three years and get accepted to a few medical schools. I imagine this would have been very hard to do at the school that was more rigorous academically. Additionally, it has been nice not being overly stressed during school. I have been able to have a reasonably active social life and have taken up some hobbies like surfing during college.

However, this decision was good because I was really happy at my school. If you are 100% sure you are not going to be happy at UNR then it might a) make you do worse or b) make you do as well as you can to get out of there as soon as possible. Though, a) is far more likely...

Anyways, go with your gut. However, I'd take that 15k-20k (or however much) a year and spend it on med school ^^

 

[Microglia]

Hey Ryan,

I, like you, was in a position of picking a school that was a better financial decision or one with more prestige. I made the decision to go to the school that was the better financial decision. That was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I virtually get a full ride, but I have been able to maintain a 4.0 gpa/graduate in three years and get accepted to a few medical schools. I imagine this would have been very hard to do at the school that was more rigorous academically. Additionally, it has been nice not being overly stressed during school. I have been able to have a reasonably active social life and have taken up some hobbies like surfing during college.

However, this decision was good because I was really happy at my school. If you are 100% sure you are not going to be happy at UNR then it might a) make you do worse or b) make you do as well as you can to get out of there as soon as possible. Though, a) is far more likely...

Anyways, go with your gut. However, I'd take that 15k-20k (or however much) a year and spend it on med school ^^

This is a fair viewpoint indeed. The one thing I do wonder is if UNR will have research and clinical opportunities around, I don't know the area but it could be a little challenging if they don't. Overall, I also picked my state school for tuition reasons, and it was the absolute best time of my life. You have some great acceptances and I'm confident that no matter where you go, if you keep your motivation, you will excel.

 

[Ismet]

Moving to hSDN

 

[Ace-Co-A]

Berkeley ftw. I went to my state school after being accepted to another one I wanted. Huge mistake. Being in an environment that lacks competition wasn't a good choice, and it turned out that I should have gone with my gut and gone to the more prestigious school. Money is important, but it's not the only thing. Just my thoughts.

I recommend that everyone goes to the place where they'll be most engaged academically.

 

[pietachok]

Hey SDN!! I'm a new user here, so don't bite!

My name is Ryan, and I live in Nevada. After making the most out of my high school experience, I'm ecstatic that I've been accepted to many great schools near home! Now that I've received my last letter, I'm finding it extremely difficult to choose a college to go to. I've planned visits for each already, but I just felt the need to ask where you guys think I should go AND why.

Most of the California schools are in the price range of $55,000 for tuition and additional fees. Surprisingly, Berkeley has offered me the most so far with a $7000 grant because of the Middle Class Access Plan, but that's it. My parents are willing to pay $15000-20,000 for tuition when I last asked them, and I will also get help from my grandparents side since I'm their only grandson, and I will also get help from my grandpa's lifelong friend (he doesn't have kids, so he's willing to help pay for my tuition--it's such a great honor). I'm also waiting for a response from from the twenty one scholarships I applied to so far (average for each is about $1000-5000, and decisions will come out late April), so I hope I'll be offered a decent amount. I'm also willing to take out some loans. However, even with this help, out-of-state costs still haunt me, and I question if it's worth going to a more prestigious school in a different state. Will job opportunities be better? Will employers automatically like me? Will med schools have an unconscious bias when they see I attended a prestigious school?

I understand going to more well-known schools means that the competition there will be more rigorous (especially at UCB and UCSD from what I heard). However, I'm actually planning to be a music major wherever I go, which isn't as tough as a premed biology major. When I study or practice music, even for up to six hours a day, I don't feel it's work, but rather a relaxing activity I love to do. I also can't see myself giving up my instrument, the piano, in college. Thus, I thought it'd be perfect to ease the stress of premed prereqs by majoring in something other than the typical biology major, which is definitely a plus to med ad coms during interviews and such (not a huge plus, however, but still a plus). I feel like I would have more time and energy to focus making the curve in prereq classes, ECs, MCAT studying, etc. even at a competitive school because of my music major. That being said, I feel like I'm ready for whatever competition is ahead of me. (btw I was also accepted to UCLA and UW but I realized their music programs are much longers processes that I don't want to go through since they have schools of music... a department of music is just fine for my educational goals).

My safety school when I applied to colleges was University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). I visited the school, and while they offer music and premed, I feel like it would be unmotivating and maybe even not as tough to do great. Since I'm planning to go to med school, maybe a tougher school would be better to really test my abilities as a student. But then again, maybe I should save money now... BUT then again, spending more money for college will push me to work even harder than if I went to school for much less, especially if the school isn't known like UNR. I'm totally ambivalent.

As a learner, I usually didn't ask too many questions in high school. I managed to maintain a 3.8 UW and 4.5 W GPA without asking excessive questions, but I've told myself my attitude would change in college because, well, it's college. This would mean going in office hours to talk to my professors, and I'm really excited to get to know them. Maybe they'll even write great RECs for me. Basically, I can learn independently to an extent, but I'm willing to ask for help if I really don't get anything now. Will getting help me a huge program at certain schools or is the idea of it being impossible to get help at places like Berkeley overblown?

Also, places like UCB and UCSD offer many opportunities that I don't think UNR can match - socially, academically, extracurricularly, and intellectually. It's exciting to think about going to a great school, and the these opportunities from credited schools on and off campus are very hard to pass on. If I went to UNR, I will always question my life if I went to a more well-known school I think.

I also have to think about medical school. I'm hoping I'll go in state in Nevada either in Reno or Las Vegas to get in-state tuition. OOS or in-state, it will be very expensive too. But you know, if I work hard enough now, my job will pay off my debt in several years. I'm economically conservative (the irony), so I know I can pay back the loans when I have a secure job in the medical field. I've always wanted to become a pediatrician. That's been my dream job since I was little.

All this, and I still have in mind that it doesn't matter what undergrad I go to and what major I pursue. GPA, MCAT, ECs, and something different about me (music for example) are the most important factors in med admissions... but the amount and quality of opportunities (whether it be the types of students, research, etc.) It's almost impossible to pass on in California since I'm worked so hard to earn myself a spot at a UC.

Anyway, that's a background of my dilemma. Obviously my mind is all over the place. Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated during such a stressful time of my life. If you have any questions, please ask! Thank you so much in advance!!!

Speak to current students outside of pre-med fields. Ask them about the grade inflation/deflation. My experience with friends who went to Berkley and Davis is that it tanked their GPAs, sometimes to an extent that the damage was irreparable and they never got into medical school or graduate school in the field they desired. Some got into medical school after extensive postbacc work. I can honestly say that the people who had difficulties are too brilliant to have deserved this -- several have now matched to top residencies in very competitive fields, and there is no reason that someone at the top of the heap in med school should have been in the bottom in college. I want to a prestigious university that does not curve for college and then I went to a postbacc that did -- those last 2 years were miserable and I cannot imagine that being my full college experience. But, obviously not everybody at Davis or Berkley is miserable, so I suspect there are fields in which this is not an issue . . . music may be one of them. If you find out that you can happily go through to get a music degree without the punitive curving system, then 100% go for it -- the level of intellectual stimulation will be so far greater than at UNR that there is no question -- it is a once in a lifetime experience. You can take any pre-med course you find out is brutally curved after graduating or during summers (or whenever works for you) at other colleges and spare your GPA. You will be a more interesting applicant as a music major (as long as your ultimate pre-med work is good).