<p>I’m a senior in high school, and I’m in a similar situation as you. Here are just some of my thoughts, hopefully they’ll help you.</p>
<p>If you feel pretty sure you want to do pre-med or any other pre-health, I’ve heard people advise against doing it at Berkeley. (Try reading this if you haven’t already: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/911500-warning-all-student-considering-premed-berkeley-please-read-first.html?highlight=med[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/911500-warning-all-student-considering-premed-berkeley-please-read-first.html?highlight=med</a>) It does have a reputation for being cutthroat, and while I’m sure not everyone will necessarily be out to get you, the people at UCB will be substantially more competitive than at UCD. Like my friend at Cal told me though, if you can get into Berkeley, you can get out of it. Just realize though, it’s not enough to be good at Cal, you need to be the best, especially if you’re considering pre-med. Berkeley IS a great school though, and if you’re sinking, there’re plenty of places you can turn to for help–you just need to be willing to find them. Berkeley also carries a lot of weight with its name. (My friend also told me that having Berkeley’s name to back her up helps her a LOT when she’s trying to collect resources for research projects, etc.) At the same time though, it’s really your last degree that matters; plus it’s not as if UCD is a bad school either–it just unfortunately has a little less prestige. Also, Regents sounds like it’s a great opportunity. I think the priority registration will really help you your first two years when you’re trying to get your GE done that everyone else needs, and the other perks sound great too.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, if you can really see yourself at Cal and you love it, then for sure, you should go there. When it comes to important decisions, it’s always your heart that wins in the end over your brain. If you really want to go to Cal, go for it, but don’t disregard all the other things that come with being a Cal student either. Just be willing to work really hard, and I’m sure you’ll be fine. =)</p>
<p>Well, that’s the end of my rambling… I think I was talking more to myself, but hopefully that helped you too. =)</p>