I think you are worrying a little too much about the thesis. Yes, its worth a lot...BUT...its a project that is almost exclusively ran by YOU. You choose what to write and make most of the decisions......there is no defense, no exam, no trick-questions, no complex pathways to memorize. Your mentor is there to give you guidance and answer questions; they've been published, you (probably) have not. If you're getting freaked out by the phrase "scientific rigor", don't. That just means that everything you say in your thesis (including your own speculations) has to based on good, scientific data, and not just some wild idea that has no support. Now, it is going to take a lot of time and a lot of effort to produce a well-written piece, but any pre-med should have the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to do a good job.
I really can't speak much on how the other programs do it, but i can't imagine that the standards here at UC are significantly more strict than other places. So, if this is the only thing that is giving you doubts, then you should not worry.🙂 I'm assuming you have already read the Survival Guide on the website, but if not, then check out what it has to say. Feel free to PM if you have any other specific questions. I 'm actually getting close to finishing my thesis since I have to leave early to start med school, so I can definately try and qwell any other doubts you or anyone may have.
