<p>I got in, but im unsure if i want to attend. I know its a good school.
Has prestige. But i've also heard a lot of negatives. Dorms arent that
great, area isnt the best, a lot of competition, grade deflation, not much
access to professors. Does anyone have similar concerns? Or does every
one think grade deflation and the lack of access to professors isn't as
bad as everyone thinks?</p>
<p>Also got into Rice, UCLA, UCSD. Others im considering are UCSB and Fordham cus both gave me great financial aid. Thoughts? Really confused :( Any help would be appreciated</p>
<p>I’m deciding between Cal and UCSB (for the financial aid). I guess it depends on if you want to be a big fish in a small pond or little fish in a big pond, haha. </p>
<p>I hear there is access to professors if you go to office hours (not many people do it so you’ll be at an advantage). Also, going to Cal should prepare you for anything life throws at you. So even though it’s hard, it’ll all be worth it in the end. As for dorming, I think it’s the people you meet that matter most and you’ll probably only live in the dorms for two years. I think the area would be totally awesome! Telegraph Ave. seems so cultured in itself… vintage shops, vinyl record stores, little stands. I’m from a SoCal suburb and would definitely love to be immersed in Berkeley culture… definitely eye-opening.</p>
<p>SB on the other hand is giving me a TON of aid, so as much as I REALLY want to go to Berkeley, SB is a hard school to pass up. It’s not as prestigous as Cal, but you’ll be set at any of the Tier 1 & 2 UCs since they are all highly regarded.</p>
<p>yeh, im getting much better aid to UCSB also. But I think i’d much rather go to berkeley if it came down to it. If i went to a UC, it’d be either berkeley or LA. If i pass on UC’s, its most likely going to be Rice. Im just wondering how they’d compare in the long run. I know, Rice would probably yield results sooner (smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors), but in the long run would a UC be better. Since im from CA, they have way more recognition than Rice (half the people i talk to have no idea Rice exists).</p>
<p>I would much rather go to Berkeley also. I’ve never heard of Rice, but if you’re looking to go to a grad school, Rice might be better for undergrad. The interaction with professors would help you with recommendation letters.</p>
<p>The ‘lack of access to professors’ is a canard. Almost any student can spend time with their professors during office hours. Access is easy. The fact that some classes have lecture sections that are huge is mistaken as evidence of inaccessiblity to the professor. Talk to current students, both through these forums and during visits.</p>