Berkeley vs. Davis --> How do I Decide?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>Here is my situation:</p>

<p>I DONT want to go to grad school after completing my undergrad... Hell, I may never seek a higher degree. I want to land a sweet internship before entering my senior year, and a sweet job after graduating. (Sweet can be interpreted in many ways, but I hope for something related to my major that presents me with interesting work and pays well). </p>

<p>At this point, I am extremely torn between Berkeley and Davis. I adore both schools, but for different reasons. Neither school is 'perfect' for me. </p>

<p>Davis Pros:
-Environment. I am a naturally quiet and hardworking person, and thus I really appreciate Davis' quiet and studious atmosphere (i.e. lots of great study areas).
-Happy Students. It seems like this University puts a lot of emphasis on supporting its students (CoHo, arcade/bowlingalley, ridiculously awesome double decker buses).
-Probably a more manageable course load so I can enjoy my last two years of college while earning decent grades. </p>

<p>Davis Cons:
-Not particularly strong in my major. Their Econ department is respectable (top 40), but clearly not in the same league as Cal's program.
-Underwhelming recruiting in Econ. They have some big players such as BIG4 Accounting, but it seems like they are passed up by the larger banks and finance/investing firms.
-Limited scope of Econ classes offered. </p>

<p>Berkeley Pros:
-Overall campus prestige (wow factor when you tell someone you attend Cal)
-The Econ department is top notch and I can take a class or two through HAAS (ability to enroll in classes that are more aligned with my career interests).
-Every company recruits here...
-Competitive and intellectual atmosphere will drive me to achieve more</p>

<p>Berkeley Cons:
-The city surrounding campus sucks balls.
-Difficulty. I hear horror stories about how hard the curriculum is
-Lack of student resources on campus. It seems like they don't put a lot of their budget in making their students happy (recreational facility, for example).
-Campus was not as inviting</p>

<p>Big difference: Quarter vs. Semester. I have been on the quarter schedule for the last two years, and I can't say that I loved it. Most professors either run out of time, or intentionally skip ~half of the chapter consistently because the book covers more material than the 10 week period will allow. Maybe on a semester system, the students are able to delve deeper into the material and learn more as a result? Any opinions?</p>

<p>Anyone else dealing with this decision, (or something similar)?</p>

2

<p>If you do not intend to go to grad school I would say you might have
more opportunities at Cal over Davis.</p>

3

<p>I’ve been looking at average 10-20 year earnings and you can expect 10k more graduating from Cal (on average), not that it’s that important of a factor to someone as studious as you seem to be. </p>

<p>At CC on the semester system at least, professors run out of time whether it’s the quarter, semester or summer system. They are procrastinators no matter what system they are on, they are no different than they were in their UG. On the semester system you take more courses per semester – each system has its pros and cons but no system is preferable, net.</p>

<p>Personally: I want potential Cal attendees at Davis so I don’t feel so “under-acheiving.” I know Davis is going to be more rigorous than I’m used too, maybe even more than I can handle, but based on the transfers I know getting into to Cal, I could out work them. That shouldn’t affect your decision any.</p>

<p>If it were me deciding: I would choose Cal. I’m a prestige whore and I doubt I’ll pursue the post-grad that I want to. Cal is also ranked 2nd in major.</p>

4

<p>I’m gonna be honest and say I’m not really considering Davis over Berkeley, despite Davis offering me a full ride. I know it seems douchy but…I’m sick of being at the lowest ranked UC school. I want to make a big step up, haha.</p>

<p>(KIDDING…mostly!)
Actually, Berkeley is ranked in the top 3 for my major, while Davis is barely top 50, so there’s just a huge difference there for me. Huge enough to say: “even if I like Davis better, it’s probably not worth it”</p>

5

<p>It would seem like a no brainer for Cal. From my experience, Davis students partied all the time while I lived there. Also, a lot of the students there are there for the farming related studies. I noticed a lot of cowboys. Davis is a small town, and not much to do really. A lot of police around as well.</p>

<p>I’ve never visited Berkeley, but they have buses that go straight to San Francisco if you want to catch a concert or visit some sights. Econ department at Cal destroys Davis and from what I’ve heard, Cal students are similar to your personality as far as studying habits. Prestige is incredible. </p>

<p>Semester system would work out great for you if you’re looking at internships while a student. Sounds like you’re going to business econ route; more internship and job opportunities will be available to you for your field in Cal as opposed to Davis.</p>

6

<p>@arcade Whore, you CS whore. I’m so jealous. You better go to Cal. I’ve seen you on Facebook, I will hunt you down if you don’t take advantage of the spot I so desperately want.</p>

7

<p>um. well. ok. then.</p>

<p>You should know that I’m actually going for CS rather than EECS though…are we cool now?</p>

8

<p>^ EECS (option IV (CSE), which is what I would be) and CS only differ in breadth really. Essentially what you take in language breadth, I take in circuit breadth. </p>

<p>You realize I’m kidding right? Maybe not… We are cool if you’re really so unsure.</p>

9

<p>i thought about it for a split second before(UCSD vs UCB), A SPLIT SECOND. then i told myself. *** are you thinking? lol</p>

<p>cal of course. sure it may be hard, but they admitted me, so that must mean something at least. sure it will be hard, but i know i can work hard too. </p>

<p>as for me, i actually do better in a competitive environment. when everyone is “laid-back” so am i. i like trying to keep up with the pace, and what not.</p>

<p>at the end of the day i tell myself, yea it’s prob gonna be harder. so what? just do it. lol. im not one for cliches, but- the harder it is, the more rewarding it will be.</p>

<p>oh yea. you get to say" i go to uc berkeley/ i went to uc berkeley" lol</p>

10

<p>They’re both tight schools. But go to the one with the better basketball team!</p>

11

<p>empathy: I realize it, I was just joking back at you, haha.</p>

<p>And yeah, I realize they’re pretty similar. I’m glad I wouldn’t have to take those lame extra circuit classes though since…I don’t give a f*** about circuits!</p>

12

<p>When I read circuits I thought it said circus. Now THAT would be a sick major!</p>

13

<p>Hell yeah dude! </p>

<p>But I think I’ll just minor in Circus.</p>

14

<p>Circuits are really fun! If you like practical hacking its really useful! Reconsider your view of circuits if you want to be autonomous. I hate the idea of being dependent on EE majors.</p>

15

<p>A minor in Circus would be enough for me, I think! A modest flow of cotton candy is all I ask for. I would need something else to bring in the big bucks.</p>

16

<p>I’m in the same boat deciding between Davis and Cal. If I go to Davis and live at home i’ll have the opportunity to spend the money I would save by living at home by studying abroad in Japan for a quarter… Tough decision.</p>

17

<p>If you’re going to grad school, go to Davis since GPA matters more than prestige…</p>

<p>since you aren’t, no-brainer.</p>