got accepted to both UCLA and UCB for molecular, cell , and developmental biology. I’m on track for medical school but then again I might change to physician assistant or something related to medical field. I’m not sure where I should go to
I live only 1 hour away from UCB and 8 hours away from UCLA. UCB also offers me more money to go there (about $1000 difference) and I’m also part of EOP (for low-income ppl) so basically everything is cheaper at UCB. But then my dream school has always been UCLA. So i was thinking that there could be more opportunities at UCLA since it has their own med school and hospital. I also heard that UCB is more for research, engineering, and liberal arts. So if you guys were me, what would you consider? And where would you go? ANy opinions are much appreciated!
Both are hard to turn down, but at the end of the day I’d have to go with UCB. That name carries a lot of weight, especially when applying to med school. But UCLA is fantastic as well.
If you’re low income, you need to consider travel costs. 8 hours away isn’t small potatoes when you’re low income. If parents will be dropping you off and picking you up, they will likely have to incur hotel and restaurant costs as well.
You need to think about how often you’ll be coming home…Thanksgiving? end of quarter? end of winter quarter? then end of school year? That could be 4 round trips a year for you…it would be more round trips if someone has to drive down to get you and then bring you back for each break… Will you be bringing a reliable car to school if you go to UCLA?
Travel costs are often overlooked by students, but they can be an issue for a low income student.