<p>Since many factors in deciding which UC is best suited for pre med have already been discussed, I will focus on extracurriculars.</p>
<p>GPA is important for med school, but extracurriculars are your way of showing your passion in other things besides medicine but also emphasizing your passion in medicine! I’ll explain: medical schools do not want zombies that have no social life outside of the same “volunteering at hospital” life. They want students that can bring their dedication to many activities and apply them to anything they do. All promising applicants will have volunteering at the local hospital, research in a medicine-related field, and shadowing doctors (make sure you have these too!), but you can stand out in clubs, sports, and whatever you love doing!</p>
<p>Now in terms of UC’s and extracurriculars, my advice to you is to go to UCLA if you really want a variety of extracurricular options. My reasons? Just look below at each of your UC’s characteristics:</p>
<p>UCI: average opportunities, not good location for opportunities outside the college
UCD: good but not great due to rural location
UCSD: really good extracurriculars here, and decent location
UCSB: decent. Just don’t get distracted by all the partygoers ;)</p>
<p>UCLA: IT’S IN LOS ANGELES. You have your selection of hospitals that come with being in a big city, TONS of clubs to choose from because of the large number of students, and lots of research opportunities from either professors or–if you’re lucky–internships from companies in L.A. Also, UCLA’s medical school is good (not top tier, but still very good), so there may arise chances in that direction.</p>
<p>UCB: Pretty close second to UCLA. Large number of chances for research with professors. Close proximity to San Francisco. Good club assortment to choose from. HOWEVER, few opportunities for hospital visits, volunteering, or job shadows. Also… grade deflation. UCB is considered the most difficult out of your selected UCs.</p>
<p>In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the UCs as long as you keep your GPA up, do well on the MCAT, pick solid extracurriculars, and do well in your med school interviews. In other words, if you get rejected from a medical school, it probably will not be because of the “name” of the UC you attended for undergrad.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision! I hope you get into all the UCs you applied to :)</p>