UCSD, UC Davis, Cal State San Marcos, or Cal Poly Pomona

College Search & Lists
1

I have been accepted to all of the schools I applied to!
UCSD- Pharmacological Chemistry (planning to switch to Biochem or Molecular Biology)
UCD, CPP, CSUSM- Biotechnology

I am wondering where I should go. I am leaning more towards UCSD because I am able to commute (25-30 min), and can save thousands by doing this. I would not be able to drive to San Marcos (40-45 min drive) and my “home” CSU is San Diego State, so i’d need to stay on campus freshman year.

My dilemma is I was accepted to the other 3 for biotechnology, which is exactly what I want. However, I also read that UCSD Biochem prepares students for jobs in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical fields.

Does anyone have any experience in UCSD’s biochem/chem BS?

Should I go to a college for its prestige in the sciences?

Which school should I choose?

2

Out of these four schools, UCSD is the best known for bio/biochem/biotech. While you shouldn’t go to a college for its perceived prestige, you should consider which school will give you the best career preparation and research opportunities. UCSD has by far the largest research budget and better internships/industry connections in the region.

IIRC UC Davis’s biotechnology program is more plant-focused (it’s offered by the plant sciences department). The UCSD biochem department will be equally good if not better training for a pharmaceutical career. I’m leaning UCSD even more strongly because it’s cheaper; that said, you should try to visit each campus’s admit day and see which one you enjoy the most.

3

UCSD

4

UCSD, hands down. It’ll prepare you exactly for what you want. :slight_smile: