UPenn vs UC Berkeley vs UCLA for Biochem

Porphyria
Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:00:12 +0000

Congratulations, sbaum 1994, on all your wonderful acceptances! I am a current freshman who left the MLS program half-way through the first semester and have changed from biochem to molecular biology (and added classics, too). MLS is an amazing opportunity that I do not regret taking, at all. Biochemistry at Penn (even outside of MLS) is physics and chemistry focused, just so you know, whereas molecular biology is more biology and chemistry focused. The director of Vagelos MLS is also the dept chair of biochemistry (womp). You very well might stick with biochem, but you just as well could change your mind in college–that’s partially why it’s so fun! You should choose a school that you and your parents agree that you can afford but also one where you can obtain a good education regardless of your major.

That being said, I agree with your potential classmate above in that Penn has a more intimate classroom setting and more opportunities unless you are super motivated and ambitious as you would need to put more effort into befriending professors at the UCs. However, Berkeley’s chemistry is top-notch and better than Penn’s in some ways if you are dedicated.

Also, I have a friend at U of R and he loves it. He turned down Cornell for the more urban feel, smaller classrooms, and less-competitive spirit at Rochester. If they are giving you good aid, maybe you should look more into it! Their sciences are highly regarded and their med school is very good. Undergrads have access to graduate studies. Plus, Rochester offers a very loose curriculum and you can take classes that you want to take.