<p>Pretty much, I need help deciding which school to attend fall of 2012. </p>
<p>Some background on me: Ever since sophomore year, my heart has been set on UCSB. I love the campus, the beach, and the overall vibe I get every time I go down there (my brother does EE at UCSB so I go there pretty often). However, a little bit of a shocker, I got admitted to Cal (surprising, considering I got rejected from UCLA). My whole family is pushing for Cal, even my brother. I was literally one of the only kids from my school that got admitted, and part of me keeps asking myself why I would pass up an opportunity like this. </p>
<p>I'm planning on doing pre-med, so I know a high GPA is a must. At UCSB my major is pre-bio (physiology once I complete some pre reqs) and at UCB my major is molecular environmental biology. I know a high GPA at any univ is tough (opposed to my easy time in high school), but I have a feeling UCSB will be a little easier to "stand out". I'm worried about UCB, because being a little fish in a big sea is very intimidating to me. But I'll be a little fish wherever I end up, hah. </p>
<p>I know a lot about UCSB. I know all the pros and cons of each dorm building. I know where to get the best burritos (freebirds! holler). I know Isla Vista pretty well. The campus is very familiar to me. Berkeley, on the other hand, is foreign to me. But it's Berkeley; the name says a lot. I like that "big name" feel that Berkeley exudes. But yet again, I don't know Berkeley. </p>
<p>Anyways, clearly I need help. Just let me know some positive (or negative) feedback on each school. Keep in mind that I plan to attend med school.</p>
<p>I love Berkeley and will likely attend there in the fall. I don’t know much about their bio programs though (I want to major in political science). My advice is to simply go to whatever college you feel most comfortable with. You will probably get the same quality education at both places. The only difference is the atmosphere. Berkeley rep. is far more important for polysci majors than for other career paths. But for your major, simply go with your personal preference, not what somebody else thinks. You will be stuck there for four years, after all.</p>
<p>If you wanna be around babes and chill hard and still get that UC prestige go to UCSB…if you wanna be an academic stud and write down “University of California Berkeley” on your resume and be a great candidate for graduate school then go to Berkeley.</p>
<p>I was set on pre-med when I entered Berkeley but that changed after I got there. My advice would be to keep all your options open. You are still young and there are so many opportunities out there. Berkeley is very prestigious for programs across science, engineering, social science. Basically, a very well-respected school. In case you do decide to not go the medical school track, Berkeley has a lot to offer. I know as much as you may be set on pre-med now, I would recommend not closing any doors.</p>
<p>I’d say go with Berkeley too! I agree with flipdigest in that you have to keep some doors open in case you change your mind on things and I think Berkeley is such a good school that it can easily provide for that change in the array of highly ranked program it has. However, I think UCSB is also good because it is less competitive and possibly “easier” to manage there while still delivering you a UC education. Either way whereever you go will be good for your future.</p>
<p>Does anyone know whether or not the engineering department at Berkeley is collaborative or cut-throat competitive? And how hard is it to get an “A” in a class?</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice.</p>