UCB v. UCLA v. U of Rochester (Help!)

jae221
Fri, 28 Mar 2014 03:52:27 +0000

Hi! So I was fortunate enough to be admitted to Cal today and I’m narrowing down my choices. I’d really like your guys’ input since I’m so torn about where to go!


Berkeley -


Pros: Near SF so can visit!, very liberal atmosphere that I like, driven student body, excellent professors, far away from home but not TOO far, world-renowned school, received most aid from here

Cons: Cutthroat atmosphere (esp. for pre-meds) could make college very un-fun, hard to get a good GPA for grad school, huge class sizes, reputed not-so-attractive/nerdy student body, dorm food sucks, might not graduate on time, disadvantage if I want to go to UCSF grad??


UCLA -


Pros: Family nearby so can help them out when they need it, gorgeous student body, well-rounded atmosphere, awesome school but not as dog-eat-dog as Cal, sunshine & way better dorm food

Cons: Too close to home?, still a huge school, grade deflation once again, got less aid (though may receive other scholarships from UCLA soon), may not graduate on time


U of Rochester -


Pros: Research at Medical School nearby, will likely be one of the top students so high GPA + better chances at internships, leadership, etc.; 3+2 program means I can get my Master’s degree with just an extra year of school, flexible curriculum => easy to double major & also start student orgs, smaller class sizes = more individual attention

Cons: Cold & gloomy weather, opposite side of the country from home (plane tickets $$$), student body not exactly known for being well-rounded/attractive, medium-sized city far from NYC, no one knows it so if I decide to get a job before grad school it’ll be difficult to find a well-paying one, got less aid than UCs so would have to appeal even with $12,000 merit I received


Other Notes -


I’ll be going into brain science and want to go to grad school - either PhD or MD (or dual degree but let’s be realistic). I’m currently pre-med but considering switching in to the tech field b/c better work hours + less time in school/fewer loans + higher pay; if any of you can comment on either the neuroscience/life science or computer science programs for these schools I’d be eternally grateful.

Thank you!