so recently i got accepted to both ucsf's CURE program focused on biomedical research and berkeley lab's qcamp program focused on quantum physics and computing. im a former intern at berkeley lab through the experiences in research program, and i intend on majoring in chemical engineering BUT i'm still indecisive (applying to college in the fall)
some aspects for each program:
ucsf cure
research experience, expanding potential career prospects/exposure to health and sciences, 8 weeks for $5000 stipend, 1-on-1 mentorship, selected out of 1400 applicants
qcamp
more major relevance, accessible commute, access to uc berkeley, 4 weeks for $2000 stipend, cohort of ~20 taught by a group of a berkeley lab educators
i'm leaning towards ucsf because i've never gotten the chance to do actual scientific lab research (my previous lbl internship was focused on communications) BUT a BIG issue is that the commute is GENUINELY so arduous compared to berkeley (1.5hrs vs ~30min). i'd have to be commuting at 5am and taking the bus then bart then bus then walk to the mission bay campus. since i've been a part of experiences in research i'm more comfortable being around and commuting in berkeley, and in comparison ucsf is a lot more far away and i'm not familiar with that area yet. also i'd be using public transit. is ucsf worth the commute lowkey
like do i take the risk or stick with a program i'm familiar with and will still benefit me because ucsf cure matches me with a specific lab/mentor and i don't know what i'll be focusing on until june (i have to accept the offer by the 6th) with qcamp, i know a lot about what the programs includes in regards to teaching us about quantum physics and computing and everything in between
tldr junior intending to major in stem needs help deciding between ambiguous ucsf research internship w difficult commute or familiar berkeley lab quantum physics program nearby