<p>So I've been pondering on this decision for a while, and I really am torn. My major is undecided although I'm leaning towards pre med.</p>
<p>One of the biggest issues is the distance from my home to Berkeley.</p>
<p>I'm just DRAWN by the prestige that Berkeley holds, but Berkeley is 8 hours from home. UCSD is only a 20min drive, and is still a well established college. I've always been very dependent on my parents, and I can't imagine being so far away from home.</p>
<p>Another issue is the academic rigor.</p>
<p>I don't understand how I was admitted into Berkeley. I think I was one of those few lucky students who slipped through the cracks. I'm honestly intimidated, and doubtful of my ability to handle Berkeley's intellectual standards... The curve man! the curve! How am I going to survive the grading curve?</p>
<p>But nevertheless, I'm hopelessly wooed by Berkeley's atmosphere.
I don't know what to do. Help?</p>
<p>If money isn’t an issue, than go for Berkeley. You will miss out on the “college experience” and the opportunity to grow independent instead of having your hand held.
A lot of your fears are fears most or at least a good portion of college students have, but once you’re finished with your first semester it will be so far passed your mind.</p>
<p>Obviously if Berkeley admitted you its for a reason. Remember UCSD did as well.</p>
<p>Fear paralyzes people. If you are ready to take control of your own life then go to Cal, if you need more time in the nest the go to UCSD, but mommy and daddy aren’t going to be there forever and Cal might be a great opportunity to grow, plus its only an hour plane ride away ;-)</p>
<p>Forget the curve. Berkeley doesn’t make mistakes. If they admitted you, it’s for a reason. And don’t worry about the distance. Oakland (nearest major airport to Berkeley) is 90 minutes from San Diego, Southwest Airlines nonstop at $59 each way if you book in advance, cheaper than driving. Not to knock UCSD, but you have an opportunity to enjoy one of the premier academic institutions on the planet. Why would you turn that down? Because you’re afraid you’re not up to the challenge? C’mon, man. This is your shot at the brass ring. Turn it down and you may not get another one. Just go for it.</p>
<p>I don’t agree that you shouldn’t be concerned about the curve, but I think that if premed isn’t going to work out for you at Berkeley, it won’t work out for you at UCSD either. These are hard subjects and they will be hard wherever you go. So I wouldn’t think to myself, “If I go to UCSD, I might end up being a doctor, but if I go to Berkeley I’ll lose my chance.” It’s extremely unlikely it will work out that way. Much more likely, if that is what you are cut out for, you’ll achieve it at either school.</p>