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<p>The last line is incredibly important. It is a fact that friends in classes push you to enjoy your studies quite often. So I agree, the OP’s decision truly comes down to how important this small, intense atmosphere of incredible rigor appeals to him. If it appeals, Caltech is the obvious choice, and if not, Berkeley is the obvious choice. I would make this decision <em>NOT</em> based on visiting (though visiting would give additional perspective) but based on the vastly different educational philosophies of the schools! </p>
<p>But OP, do you <em>really</em> want to go to medical school? Are you more of a science enthusiast? These are important questions. The thought of being premed somehow makes me cringe. Being a science major at Caltech sounds much more fun to me.</p>