<p>Hello! I'm a community college student from Irvine who plans on transferring to a UC this fall. I have always pictured myself at UCLA because I never considered Berkeley an option (never thought I'd get in). To my surprise, I got accepted into Berkeley and now I'm at a crossroad. As an English major, I know that it would be better to attend Berkeley because their English program is one of the best in the country. However, I'm also interested in pursuing film as a minor and I know that UCLA's film program is remarkably better. The only thing is that if film doesn't work out in the long run, I plan on getting a Ph.D in English and I know that Berkeley has a better program if my life goes in that direction. Location doesn't really matter to me because no matter where I go I'll be in a different, engaging environment. Also, I feel like I wouldn't be making a fair decision because I have not yet been to the Berkeley campus, only UCLA. I just really want to get the opinions of others on this situation and see if anyone is willing to share a few details on what the Berkeley campus is like...</p>
<p>Wow, are you my long lost twin or something? I, too, am an English major planning to minor in film who is stuck between Berkeley and UCLA. I’m leaning towards LA because they have a better film program, but I know that Berkeley would be better if I end up getting my Masters and Ph.D for teaching. Spooky… Sorry, I know that’s not helpful to you, except to perhaps know that someone else is going through the same exact thing you are! lol I’m going to see Berkeley next week before I make my final decision, so I’ll keep you posted.</p>
<p>One thing I might add is that, although Berkeley is well-known for their English program, if you’re planning to go on to go get a Masters and Ph.D, your Undergrad school really won’t matter at all. All jobs will care about is the last school you went to. That’s why I’m thinking that I might just save Berkeley as a possibility for grad school or my doctorate in case I decide to go that route.</p>
<p>Edit: I forgot to mention that if you go to one school for your undergrad, it is highly unlikely that you will get accepted to their grad program. Perhaps you’re already aware of that, but in case you’re not, going to Berkeley now would probably kill your chances of getting a more advanced degree there in the future.</p>
<p>^you are correct on both points-that is what i came here to say. For grad school, your GPA and test scores matter much more than a minor difference in prestige between two schools. And it is harder, though not impossible, to get into grad school at the same school you went to for undergrad. I’m pre-law so I only know about that, but both Boalt and UCLA law actively discourage their undergrads from applying.
If you want to give film a real shot as a career, then UCLA is the place to do it. I know people who were film majors at Cal, and they’re all living in LA now working. It really is the center of the industry. But if the film major is just a hobby and not a career path, Cal’s English program IS really really good. So is UCLA’s, though! If it comes down to that, check out the classes both offer and see which interest you more. And definitely visit the campus!</p>
<p>if you really want a career in film, go to UCLA, the location and connections you will get will be invaluable.</p>