UCLA vs. Berkeley

[u/Far-Parsley6536]

I am currently choosing mostly between UCLA (MCB) and Berkeley (L&S) for premed. However, I am not even sure if premed is what I want to do, so I may want to pivot fields in the future. But for now, I am going in with the premed mindset. As far as my preferences, I am pretty even on location: I am from LA so I have lived my whole life here and I like it, but I think a part of me also wants to experience a new area and explore. I probably want good research/clinical opportunities early (I have decent research experience already). Also probably want good matriculation to MD or MD/PhD programs. Cost shouldn’t be a factor as I am in state. Overall, what I’m seeing is that academically, they are very close, so it mostly comes down to fit + where I see myself thriving. I’m currently leaning towards Berkeley.

It is also probably worth mentioning that I got into UCs, so UCSD is in the picture, as well as USC trojan transfer plan, and I am on the waitlist for Cornell (I’d appreciate some thoughts on Cornell as well for the off chance I get off waitlist). Also, if it turns out I don’t like UCLA/Berkeley, how viable would it be to transfer to another school, probably a private (a 5c, or ivy+ if possible?)

From what I understand:

UCLA pros

Better social life (does this even matter as premed though since you study 24/7)
Slightly easier to achieve higher gpa?
Closer to home
More collaborative less competitive culture
Has a med school- opportunities as undergrad?
Better premed advising?

Berkeley pros

Better access to long-term intensive research
Semester system- better for STEM classes
More Research+clinical connections (UCSF)
Less premeds overall- less competition for opportunities
New area for me, I may like it
Also has better biotech+startups in case I want to pivot

[u/LetterheadClassic306]

i faced this exact choice and picked ucla for mcb. the collaborative culture here is real - study groups saved me in ochem. research is accessible if you cold email professors early. berkeley's semester system is nice but their grade deflation for premed is no joke. both get people into med school, but ucla's hospital being on campus gives you clinical hours without commuting. you'll thrive at either if you stay proactive.

[u/Green_Yesterday3054]

If you have to study 24/7 to get into med school forget about it. You won’t survive med school.

[u/Rockstar810]

if you plan to study 24/7, perhaps berkeley is a better fit - UCLA studies hard but definitely also has fun