unc pre-med vs u of sc honors pre-med

I’m deciding between UNC and South Carolina Honors College for pre-med and wanted honest input from people here.
My situation:
tuition is the same at UNC vs u of sc honors for me
UNC:
Stronger research + hospital access

Bigger pre-med population, more competition

I’ve heard science classes (chem, bio, orgo) are tough and a lot of strong students end up around ~3.6–3.7

USC Honors:
Smaller classes (~20 students)

More structured advising + support

Seems easier to maintain a high GPA and get leadership/research early

But not the same level of research environment as UNC

About me:
NC resident

4.58 GPA, 1500 SAT

Took ~15 APs (mostly As - barely)

My study habits in high school weren’t very consistent, so I’m trying to choose an environment where I’ll actually perform well in college

MOST IMPORTANTLY: What I’m trying to figure out:
How realistic is it to maintain a ~3.8+ GPA as a pre-med at UNC?

Why do UNC pre-meds take gap years? (GPA, MCAT timing, lack of ECs, etc.)

When did you personally start research or clinical work? (any university)

If you had this choice again, would you pick UNC or a more structured honors program like USC?

where would you go? 

Would greatly appreciate honest input from people who’ve gone through this process.