I’ve narrowed down my options to these two schools although Haverford may still be in the mix. I was admitted as a Biochemistry/Cell Biology major at UCSD in Roosevelt College and a spring admit to Dornsife for Biology at USC. I’m a little worried that UCSD is too big and will have overcrowded classes especially in biology. I’m also hesitant about student life there (UC Socially Dead). I’m aware that USC isn’t known for STEM and I don’t want to start in the spring but I do understand that USC is often regarded as a better overall school (especially because I am interested in business and dance minors).
Basically, what are the pros and cons of both universities? How much better is UCSD’s biology program?
No matter where you decide to go. The first semester and second you’ll have kids taking intro to bio. So expect to have less than 200 students.
The college system actually does help UCSD feel smaller. The big lecture/small discussion model also breaks up the large lectures nicely. It’s not so overcrowded that you don’t get the classes you need; usually, you might just not get the best professor or most convenient section time. Once you get into the more advanced classes, class sizes start to thin out. If you’re looking for individual attention from professors, you just have to seek them out. They’re happy to talk.
The UC Socially Dead stereotype is a myth. If you’re even a slightly social person, you’ll be able to make friends, find parties, and have fun. They won’t be as big or abundant as the ones at USC, though.
I can’t say how much better UCSD’s bio program is, but it’s generally ranked among the top five to ten. Also, the Torrey Pines Mesa is one of the best places in the country for biomedical research. Hopefully someone else can share more about USC