Berkeley vs. Irvine, Bio vs. Chem

metaco12 wrote:
Also, I've heard that most science majors who apply to medical school major in biology first, but a fair amount of chemistry knowledge is also helpful. Which major--biology or chemistry--would better prepare me for med school? (Assume that my college's reputation with both majors is equal.)

To my way of thinking, a bio major would help you more than a chem one. Don't forget, though, that in college the classes for some majors tend to overlap- so even though you'll be getting a bio major you'll still take a lot of chemistry-oriented classes. What about trying a biochemistry major? I've heard that it combines the imoprtant aspects of both, although I really know nothing specific about it and could very well be wrong. Also, if you really want to work hard, you could always consider double-majoring, or getting a minor in chem.

Quote:
Edit: Another question comes to mind: would it look bad on my college application if I don't haven't enrolled in any AP science classes (given my proposed premed/bio major)? My school doesn't offer any, though I'm still considering taking AP Chem next year, teaching myself with the textbook.

I'm pretty sure that colleges take a look at the classes offered by your specific school when evaluating prospective students. Since yours dosen't offer any AP science classes, they'd probabaly just check to see if you took the hardest classes that you could.

I really can't help you decide between your two choices, but try talking to people who went there (if you know of anyone). Also, VISIT THE CAMPUS if you can- it really can make a world of difference, and you can at least talk to the students.

I haven't visited Irvine but i have visited Berkeley. Berkeley is a nice campus but it's kind of in a crappy area. Although it's situated in a crappy area, i would personally choose Berkeley over Irvine simply because it's a better program overall. Berkeley is one of the top 10 schools in the World and if you ever want to transfer majors, you are pretty much guaranteed a good program. On the other hand, at UCI, if you decide to transfer out of bio/chem related majors then you are pretty much screwed since the school's main focus is on those two subjects. just my two cents

As to choosing which school, like Effervescent said, visit the campus. Stay in the dorm a night, eat at the dining halls, talk to people, look around. Sure you can decide based on which has a better program, but if you don't like where you live or the atmosphere or whatever, then what's the use being there? If you're not happy you won't be as motivated to learn. I have a friend who chose to come to GA Tech rather than somewhere else because they serve cherry coke at the dining hall, and she said that she wanted to have at least one thing that she liked every time she went to eat. And sometimes it's the atmosphere around the campus that influences you. Or maybe the scenery, you never know. Just take that all into consideration. Despite what they say, academics isn't everything, although it is important.

As to major, I'm an engineering student, not pre-med. Sorry about that. But whichever you choose you will have classes in the other.

As to the AP courses- The college will see that your school doesn't offer those classes so you should be fine. You're taking some AP classes, which will look good on your application. Also, there are lots of ways to impress them. There's your essay (which you should do, even - if not especially- if it's optional), recommendation letters, interviews, etc. Just be your charming self and be organized and you should be fine.

i don't know much about the schools, but my roomie's doing pre-med, and she's getting a bio major with a chem minor. I've heard this combo recommended by other people as well. Hope this helps!