UCLA vs UW for Pre-Med: Where should I go?

Hello! I've been accepted to both UCLA and UW Seattle for pre-med. Can anyone give me some guidance on which school I should choose considering pre-med advising, opportunities for research/volunteering, and overall student life?

Hello! Congratulations on your acceptances! Both UCLA and UW have strong pre-med programs, so you can't really go wrong with either choice. However, there are some factors to consider that might help you make a decision:

Pre-Med Advising: Both schools have pre-health advising centers to support students, but the quality of advising may differ. It's worth checking out student reviews or reaching out to current pre-med students at each school to get a feel for their experiences.

Research Opportunities: UCLA is a top research institution and has numerous opportunities for undergraduate research. UW also has a strong research focus but may have slightly fewer opportunities due to its larger student body. That said, both schools offer a breadth of research options, so it'll come down to your personal interests and how proactive you are about seeking these opportunities.

Volunteering: Both campuses are located in large cities, which means you'll have access to a variety of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare-related opportunities for volunteering and shadowing experiences. In terms of community outreach, one specific program at UW is the Health Sciences Service Learning & Advocacy Group, which connects pre-med students to community projects.

Student Life: This may be a deciding factor for you as both schools have distinct campus environments. UCLA is known for its sunny weather and has a vibrant campus atmosphere, while UW has a beautiful campus with easy access to both city life and outdoor activities. Think about what type of environment will make you happy and help you thrive academically and socially.

At the end of the day, consider where you see yourself fitting in the best and which factors matter most to you. You may also want to factor in cost and distance from home. Both schools are strong options for pre-med, so go with your gut feeling and prioritize what's important to you personally. Good luck with your decision!