Berkeley vs UCLA with Regents

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

As you can tell from the title, I’m having a hard time deciding between Berkeley without any scholarship and UCLA with Regents. I’ve visited both schools and I could see myself at either campus. It’s also not the difference in price that’s making the decision difficult, but the difference in the overall experience I’ll have with the Regents Scholarship.

From what I’ve read online and heard from current students, it is very easy to get “lost” at both schools (I should note that I’m not the most outgoing person). That’s why I feel as though having Regents at UCLA would give me a minor but significant edge (I’ve even heard that it’s easier to get a position in a lab as a Regents Scholar). Having attended the Regents Scholar reception, I also feel more “wanted” by UCLA.

Lastly, even though I applied as a biochemistry major for both schools, I’m now leaning towards biochemical engineering. This difficulty of switching into engineering is something I’m also considering in making my decision.

I would be grateful for any advice regarding my decision and whether I’m justified in placing such importance on being a Regents Scholar.

2

While it is not impossible, it is very very difficult to switch to the COE at Berkeley. They only open up space if a current COE student drops out. You also have to have a 3.5 minimum in all major prep courses. (That’s only the minimum; competitive students have higher.) If you know you want to do bioE and you know there’s a realistic path to do it, go to UCLA. Going to Berkeley and counting on getting into the COE is not a good plan.