2 answers
Valentine
Student
Clovis, California
1
Question
Asked
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What medical school is the best for a Californian biology major perusing a field in psychiatry ?
I'm about to transfer from community college to Davis, but I've been wanting to start thinking ahead just a little.
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2 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Valentine,
You're smart to start thinking ahead early! For a Californian biology major aiming for psychiatry, here’s the short and honest answer:
If you want to stay in California, some of the best medical schools (especially with strong psychiatry connections) are:
UC San Francisco (UCSF) – Top 5 in the nation for psychiatry and overall medicine.
UC Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine – Also highly ranked, great psychiatry department, strong hospital network.
UC San Diego (UCSD) – Excellent research in neuroscience and mental health.
USC Keck School of Medicine – Good clinical training and connections in psychiatry.
UC Davis School of Medicine – Right where you're heading! Great for primary care and growing strong in mental health initiatives.
If you’re willing to go out of California later, big names like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia also have world-renowned psychiatry programs — but staying in-state usually saves money and keeps you close to a huge patient population.
Important tip:
At this stage, focus on getting a strong GPA, research or volunteer experience in mental health, and good clinical exposure. Psychiatry programs love applicants who show compassion, communication skills, and interest in mental health early on.
You're smart to start thinking ahead early! For a Californian biology major aiming for psychiatry, here’s the short and honest answer:
If you want to stay in California, some of the best medical schools (especially with strong psychiatry connections) are:
UC San Francisco (UCSF) – Top 5 in the nation for psychiatry and overall medicine.
UC Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine – Also highly ranked, great psychiatry department, strong hospital network.
UC San Diego (UCSD) – Excellent research in neuroscience and mental health.
USC Keck School of Medicine – Good clinical training and connections in psychiatry.
UC Davis School of Medicine – Right where you're heading! Great for primary care and growing strong in mental health initiatives.
If you’re willing to go out of California later, big names like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia also have world-renowned psychiatry programs — but staying in-state usually saves money and keeps you close to a huge patient population.
Important tip:
At this stage, focus on getting a strong GPA, research or volunteer experience in mental health, and good clinical exposure. Psychiatry programs love applicants who show compassion, communication skills, and interest in mental health early on.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Valentine,
First of all, it's awesome that you're already thinking ahead, that's such a strong habit to have, especially in a long journey like medicine.
So if you're aiming for psychiatry and you're a Californian biology major, honestly, you're in a great spot already. When it comes to medical schools, there isn't one single "best" school just for psychiatry — the best school is one that fits you personally: your learning style, your budget, your goals, and your support system.
That being said, here are a few schools you might want to keep an eye on which I can tell you a little about.
One is, UC Davis School of Medicine. You're already heading to Davis, and their medical school is fantastic, very community-focused, and supportive of people interested in primary care and psychiatry.
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is especially strong in research and has a great psychiatry program if you're interested in the academic or neurobiological side.
UC San Diego School of Medicine...has a strong in psychiatry, neuroscience, and mental health research, and they really emphasize wellness and innovation.
USC Keck School of Medicine is another one you can look at if you like a more urban environment and hands-on early clinical exposure, they have good psychiatry affiliations.
Now, if research and big innovation are your jam, Stanford University School of Medicine...Stanford's psychiatry department is world-class (but also highly competitive).
I mean medicine is competitive worldwide, but then those who stay dedicated and passionate will make it out.
Next Steps I had want to tell you so you could consider is:
Focus on keeping your GPA strong at Davis, medical schools will look at your university GPA very carefully.
Start getting involved in activities that connect to mental health: psychology research labs, crisis hotlines, volunteering at counseling centers — it shows an authentic interest in psychiatry.
Build strong relationships with professors and mentors for future letters of recommendation.
Keep your mind open: sometimes, where you think you'll specialize early on changes once you experience more during medical school. (That's totally okay.)
Sooo, If you keep doing what you're doing, planning ahead, staying curious, and working hard then you'll have fantastic options. And honestly, your mindset right now already sets you apart in the best way.
You’re doing great Valentine. Keep that momentum going, and if you need anything at all we are here for you.
First of all, it's awesome that you're already thinking ahead, that's such a strong habit to have, especially in a long journey like medicine.
So if you're aiming for psychiatry and you're a Californian biology major, honestly, you're in a great spot already. When it comes to medical schools, there isn't one single "best" school just for psychiatry — the best school is one that fits you personally: your learning style, your budget, your goals, and your support system.
That being said, here are a few schools you might want to keep an eye on which I can tell you a little about.
One is, UC Davis School of Medicine. You're already heading to Davis, and their medical school is fantastic, very community-focused, and supportive of people interested in primary care and psychiatry.
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is especially strong in research and has a great psychiatry program if you're interested in the academic or neurobiological side.
UC San Diego School of Medicine...has a strong in psychiatry, neuroscience, and mental health research, and they really emphasize wellness and innovation.
USC Keck School of Medicine is another one you can look at if you like a more urban environment and hands-on early clinical exposure, they have good psychiatry affiliations.
Now, if research and big innovation are your jam, Stanford University School of Medicine...Stanford's psychiatry department is world-class (but also highly competitive).
I mean medicine is competitive worldwide, but then those who stay dedicated and passionate will make it out.
Next Steps I had want to tell you so you could consider is:
Focus on keeping your GPA strong at Davis, medical schools will look at your university GPA very carefully.
Start getting involved in activities that connect to mental health: psychology research labs, crisis hotlines, volunteering at counseling centers — it shows an authentic interest in psychiatry.
Build strong relationships with professors and mentors for future letters of recommendation.
Keep your mind open: sometimes, where you think you'll specialize early on changes once you experience more during medical school. (That's totally okay.)
Sooo, If you keep doing what you're doing, planning ahead, staying curious, and working hard then you'll have fantastic options. And honestly, your mindset right now already sets you apart in the best way.
You’re doing great Valentine. Keep that momentum going, and if you need anything at all we are here for you.