UCB vs UCI for undergrad and eventually going to grad school

Mytz99
Wed, 16 May 2018 21:19:16 +0000

I’m having a really tough time deciding on schools so I’d love any advice you can give me.

Background: I’m a transfer student studying chemical engineering and material science from a CCC in Irvine. As I live in Irvine now, UCI is definitely a cheaper option for me housing wise and I also have the Reagent scholarship from them. The cost isn’t a main factor for me but just something I’m keeping in mind. Eventually I’m planning on getting a PhD and researching materials that can be used in the biological field.

After talking to a friend in Berkeley in the chemical engineering department, the classes sound brutal. So from the viewpoint of a grad school, is it better to get perfect grades at UCI or get straight B’s from Berkeley? Also would double majoring help my chances of getting into a good grad school? I was thinking of double majoring in chemical engineering and biology if I go to UCI but I know it won’t be feasible at UCB. I’ve also heard research experience is huge for grad schools so is it extremely difficult to get into a lab at UCB? I have a few years of lab experience but only in biological laboratories.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!