UCR or UCSD?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Before everyone starts saying “UCSD!!!” right away, let me explain. I didn’t get into UCSD, but I got into UCR (my intended major is microbiology). My initial plan was to go to a community college and TAG into UCSD after two years. However, after thinking about it, I realized that it would be much easier for me to get a higher GPA at UCR in comparison to UCSD. My main goal is to get into pharmacy school, so I was wondering which of the two would be best for me for the future - a higher GPA at UCR, or an average GPA at UCSD? Basically, it has come down to prestige vs GPA. I live right in the middle of the two schools and money isn’t really a factor, I just need help determining which would be the best decision for me in regards to getting into pharmacy school. THANKS!!!</p>

2

<p>To pass on a UC education for community college is ridiculous. UCR has some GREAT faculty to work with and an honors program that you could take advantage of as well.</p>

3

<p>you can’t really assume that you can get a high gpa at UCR because a lot of courses at UCR are challenging and it is becoming competitive especially in Bio fields. UCR has the same curriculum as UCSD because it is in the UC system. The only difference between UCSD and UCR is prestige of the faculty members, but UCR has great faculty too. So people shouldn’t really underestimate the academics at UCR.</p>

4

<p>Definitely go to UCR over a CC…no question about it. UCR has excellent science departments.</p>

5

<p>It is not significantly easier to get a high GPA at UCR vs UCSD. The difference is small and not worth making a primary factor.</p>

<p>Take it from someone who transferred from UCR to UCLA: it’s hard at both.</p>

<p>Take a look at the average GPA (according to gradeinflation.com) between UCR and UCSD: <a href=“http://www.gradeinflation.com/UCriverside.html[/url]”>http://www.gradeinflation.com/UCriverside.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.gradeinflation.com/Ucsandiego.html[/url]”>http://www.gradeinflation.com/Ucsandiego.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>In 2000, UCR’s average GPA was 2.74 while UCSD’s was 3.12 (because of statistical whatever we’re supposed to add .12 to UCSD’s score). To me, this implies that the schools are similar in difficulty, considering that UCR’s student body is not as competitive as UCSD’s.</p>