So I’m a California student that was recently accepted to Berkeley (pre-Haas) and I’m currently undergoing the stressful process of figuring out what college is the best place for me. Most people would probably think this decision is a no-brainer (especially with in-state tuition) since Berkeley is one of the best schools in the nation - but I’ve got some concerns that I’d love for anyone (especially current students) to help clear up for me. First, I’m a christian/conservative (so not exactly the typical Berkeley student) and although I’m a great debater and very respectful of other people’s opinions - I don’t think being persecuted every day would feel great. So if anyone has any experience with the treatment of conservatives or christians in general (by both students and professors) on campus that’d be great. Another concern I have is about the amount of school spirit/football culture at Berkeley or lack-thereof. Obviously, I’m not going to college just to watch football and party with hot girls every weekend (I know that’s not Berkeley specializes in) but it would be great if someone could comment on the party/school spirit experience at Berkeley. From what I hear, Berkeley has the stigma of “nerdiness” and “Berkeley goggles” so I’d like to hear the extent to which that’s true (although I do know they have an improving football team). Thanks.
Lots of students do go to churches of various kinds of Christianity. The religious demographics of California indicate at least 61% Christian (32% Protestant, 28% Catholic, 1% LDS; 5% “other” may include other types of Christians like Orthodox, etc. – see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_California#Religion ).
In terms of conservative politics, the college age generation tends to be less socially conservative than the general population. However, you will probably find some libertarian-ish conservatives in economics and business.
On the political climate: Most of the time, you won’t feel particularly persecuted. Once in a while you’ll see and hear things that will strongly irritate you (safe space protests, anti-Israel protests, Black Lives Matter, and so on), but there’s a relatively strong college republican presence, and you’ll find that there are some conservative tendencies among many of the STEM majors who are too busy with actually putting in the hard work to get a job or go to grad school to participate in political activity. There is an “American Cultures” requirement, which is basically a requirement fulfilled by taking a course that makes you read a bunch of Marx and Engels and teaches how horrible white males are.
On partying: If you’re doing Haas, you’ll probably be partying a lot. Most people are not socially incompetent geeks. Just get used to Cal Football repeatedly breaking your heart.
On Berkeley goggles: Everyone has their own preferences. Visit the campus and you’ll see what I mean.
My son is a junior at Berkeley. He has conservative political views, but also enjoys a good debate. So I don’t think he ever feels persecuted. I heard that the College Republicans are the biggest club on campus. He is in a fraternity and seems to have an extremely active social life. Even when the football team is bad, the “Gamedays” are a lot of fun. We joke that “Berkeley Goggles” work in his favor, at home he is a 7, but at Berkeley he is a 10. Joking aside, I am just a mom, but I think their are a lot of cute girls.
Ummm, no. Where would Marx and Engles show up in courses like History 7A, 7B, 127AC, Engineering/IAS 157AC, Music 26AC, Integrative Biology 35AC?
Cal is a big school. You can choose to get involved (in whatever) as much or as little as you would like to. No one persecutes you, no one babysits you, no one really cares about your personal life.
My D was an undergrad at Cal, and is now a grad student. She doesn’t know what a “typical Berkeley student” is like. In fact, she doesn’t know if such an animal exists.