Berkeley vs. UCLA - Communications

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>Now that I've been accepted to both Cal & UCLA, a feat I thought would be nearly impossible for myself, I find myself having to decide between the top two public schools in the country. After having visited both campuses, more than once, I know that I love both schools and can see myself enjoying it at both places. My older sister goes to UCLA (she is currently a third year) and I have a friend (a first year) at Cal and therefore have heard many great things about both schools. Being the younger sister and being involved in some of the same activities my sister was in throughout high school, I have been following in her footsteps to some extent. At the moment, I seem to be leaning towards UCLA, however, I've always felt that going to college will be my big chance to separate myself from her shadow, so for this reason I'm somewhat drawn to Cal. But I don't want to rule out UCLA for the sole reason that my sister does go there.</p>

<p>I am technically undeclared at both schools, but for now I plan on majoring in Communications at UCLA or Media Studies (the closest thing to Comm) at Berkeley. One of the main things I'm still curious about are the pro/cons of the quarter and semester systems. </p>

<p>If anyone has any advice or pro/cons to share about the quarter & semester systems, it would be greatly appreciated! :)</p>

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<p>I heard UCLA was rank 1 in communication (which is my major :D) so it makes sense if u want to go there -.-</p>

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<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I was also accepted to UCLA an UC Berkeley. I chose UCLA. This was a huge decision for me because my major is going to be Economics. UCLA has a very good Economics program that is taught be very well renowned (as will all of their divisions) Professors. On the other hand, Berkeley literally had a GRADUATE econ program that was up there with Yale. Now, I said graduate because few, if any, companies rate undergraduate programs.</p>

<p>What it came down to was, well, my personality. I am NOT the Berkeley type of person… I cannot emphasize this enough. When I visited Berkeley, while I loved the campus, the city send chills down my spine. This was a large factor.</p>

<p>For me, the reason I picked UCLA was: 1) UCLA very near the ranking for UC Berkeley, so I don’t believe that the difference justifies the distance that I would have to move and the cost difference. (I live about 40 minutes away from UCLA) 2) Its far enough that I am still separate from my family BUT close enough that if I need food… money… ext, I can be home and not spend 5 hours in commute. 3) The campus. Berkeley is a nice campus… UCLA is an amazing campus. There is just something about it that makes it feel like a west coast Ivy league. Mix that with the people (they’re nice), the staff, ext., LA makes Berkeley look, well, not as good. 4) I know me and know that if I was not happy with the surrounding area that I would become a campus shut in and never leave. I didn’t want that. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO IN LA. You’re in the middle of Westwood, and right next to Brentwood and Bel Air. There is not better location in the world. World class entertainment, social life, ext.</p>

<p>If you like the area around UC Berkeley (the city of Berkeley), then you will probably like Berkeley best. LA and Berkeley (the cities) are two very different beasts. Los Angeles is the center for world class entertainment, and for me, and Economist major, a substantial business center (granted not as big as SF). But Berkeley, a place were students are proud of the riots that took place, the damaging of police cars and public property; I could not place myself there. I knew Berkeley was not the place for me when, in the 50 Degree overcast, the tour guide was telling us about how none of the administrative buildings have handles on them because students used to chain themselves to them until they got their demands… I am home in LA.</p>

<p>Any questions, just ask.</p>

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<p>Thanks for all the insight/advice! I choose UCLA :)</p>

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<p>@reeddouglas - Interesting post that kind of mirrors my impression between UCLA and Berkeley…</p>

<p>I was accepted to UCLA and Berkeley as well and I am currently still deciding.
So biggest factor you would say is definitely how I feel on campus and the environment yeah?</p>

<p>Family and friends are pushing for Berkeley because of the prestige but yeah undergrad doesn’t matter so much… so I’m thinking UCLA for undergrad and then maybe Berkeley for masters or PHD?</p>

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<p>@thinkfor1 - good luck deciding! btw, are you a transfer?</p>

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<p>I applied to both CAL and UCLA for Communications. I have a low GPA like 3.7sh. I am a transfer student and have been very involved in different clubs. I was also in my college’s newspaper, broadcasting program, debate team, PTK, as well as interned at a tv station. I know it is really hard to get in CAL and UCLA but do you think I have a chance??? If I was to get into both (that’s what I hope for) what school would you recommend???</p>

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<p>Communications? So you want to work in media huh?</p>

<p>UCLA is in Los Angeles. Warner Brothers, Disney, Paramount, Fox, Universal, and Sony Pictures are also all in Los Angeles and many of these companies have UCLA alumni. Oh and there’s Clear Channel in Burbank. Oh and of course Los Angeles in the entertainment capital of the world. Tough call.</p>

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<p>Lol a communications degree!</p>