<p>UCI has a more prestigious biology program. However, it all depends on the student. Biology is a VERY popular major at UCI and most of the students are probably pre-med. UCI will be very competitive, which is important because you have to remember how colleges grade on a curve. You want to be in the top portion of your class. My sister (who was pre-med, graduated at the top of her class at UCI and went on to a prestigious school) has basically made it very clear to me that it is much better to be a top-tier student at UCSB than an average student at UCI. UCSB is still a UC and is ranked the same as UCI, so it won’t look like a no-name, random school on your resume, however, the biology program is less competitive. I’m not sure about USC’s biology program (never even considered it, don’t have the money), however, USC is also known for it’s rigor. So basically, academically you should choose the school you will excel at, not the one with the most prestige. This is important, especially since all three are known as good schools anyway. If you are confident that you will do better than most of the students at UCI, go there. But if not, you should consider your other options.</p>
<p>UCI is also more competitive in other ways. Since there are so many pre-med students there, it will be harder to get research opportunities and internships. You will have to compete with not only your fellow pre-med students, but the students already IN med school at UCI. Research opportunities will be given to grad students before you, and the rest will be dispersed to the best students. As I have told you, my sister was in the very top of her class, but still had to fight for research opportunities and internships, and often the most interesting ones are taking by grad students. I’m sure that students can find research and internship opportunities, they will just not be your top choice, and it will be more stressful/competitive in that aspect.</p>
<p>UCSB does not have many grad students. Therefore, undergraduates are counted upon to do research. There will be AMPLE amounts of research and internships available to you compared the ones available to you at UCI. You will have a much easier time finding research, and are more likely to get research which interests you. You will not have to compete with graduate students for these spots, and there will also be easier to compete with UCSB students. However, UCI has a bigger pre-med program, so I’m sure there are things you will be missing out on. </p>
<p>Studying abroad at UCSB will be easier than at UCI. A LOT of students study abroad at UCSB, mostly in their junior year. They have a big program available to students if you would like to do this. A lot of the cost is covered by financial aid, it won’t cost you much more than your tuition at UCSB. They have a lot of support for students who wish to do this.</p>
<p>Going to USC also has it’s advantages. USC is a private school - which means you’ll be spending big bucks to go there. However, the alumni network is GREAT. You will meet a lot of contacts and have a lot of support once you graduate. USC alumnis really look out for each other. You also may be able to get internships from them.</p>
<p>Overall, it is all depends on the student. My sister has given me a lot of advice on this, and basically she has just told me to go where I will excel. Remember, getting into grad school will be VERY competitive. You want to have a high GPA, good research experience, and an internship. That is most important, since all three are good schools. The second most important thing is which school “fits” your personality. Visit the schools, see which one you will be happy at. No matter what the prestige is, you need to go to a school that won’t make you miserable for four years, because your path will already be stressful enough as it is!</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>