Berkeley VS USC?

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

<p>When it all boils down to it, I'm now debating between UC Berkeley and USC. I haven't received my financial aid package from USC yet, but I doubt it'll be much if any. :( The amount will be a big factor in which school I attend, I guess since my parents refuse to pay any more than $20k a year.</p>

<p>BERKELEY
Pros: Higher ranked/more renowned, very affordable (about $15k with all my scholarships, hopefully down to 9k... waiting on a few more scholarship decisions), GREAT MUN program (been in MUN for 4 years and attended BMUN 58 this year and dominated!!)
Cons: Hard to get classes, big class size, I'm a number not a student</p>

<p>USC
Pros: Smaller class size so I get to know my teachers better (hopefully this translate to better letters of rec since I want to go to med school), enough funding so I can get the classes I want, I can change majors easily
Cons: Not as famous as Berkeley, more expensive...</p>

<p>I'm not sure how easy it is to change majors at Berkeley before enrolling... I called USC and they told me I can change majors as often as I want, even before enrolling (I got in for biochem, but decided I would much rather be studying biomedical engineering). I got into Berkeley for Biology/Immunology, and while I'm fine with studying that I would really like to change majors to biomedical engineering instead... Not sure how easy it is to do so though, and I will be calling their office tomorrow to clarify.</p>

<p>Like I said, still waiting on FA package for USC. Apparently I have to personally send them a copy of my parents' 2009 taxes even though I already sent it to IDOC. I thought IDOC would forward it to USC or put up a copy online for USC to download and print. :\ With it being so late in the game, though, I doubt I'd get any financial aid lol</p>

<p>I plan to visit Berkeley again next weekend for their Senior Admit Day, and since I live rather close to USC, I will try to plan a visit over spring break. ANYWAYS, thoughts? I'd like to decide on a college as soon as possible (I'm guessing it matters for dorm space? Correct me if I'm wrong!).</p>

2

<p>The only big classes at Berkeley are the lower division requirements like the introductory math/science classes you take your freshman/sophomore year. Nobody actually complains about not getting enough attention (more professors actually complain that not enough people go to their office hours to talk to them). And then there are the grad student lead discussion sessions and they are usually very good at answering questions/replying to emails. And you’re not going to be asking these professors for recommendation letters for grad school/med school. You’re going to want to ask the professors in the small, more advanced classes you take your junior/senior year. </p>

<p>Changing majors is really not a big deal at all. As long as you’re taking the classes required for the major you want and are not failing, there is no reason they won’t let you switch. </p>

<p>I hope this is helpful… come to Berkeley! :)</p>

3

<p>hmm ur one of the few ppl who’ve said something good about UCB using specifics! thanks!</p>

4

<p>Berkeley is a good school (Well, I could go on about our College of Chemistry haha). Most of us have negative things to say because Berkeley is like a slap in the face; you have to push yourself to survive here, I believe.</p>

<p>But if you take advantage of the opportunities here, Cal will be a good experience.</p>

5

<p>Yeah people blow the negatives of berkeley out of proportion and the most loud are those that are doing pretty badly academically or/and socially. I am SOOOO SICK of people *****ing about how they think Berkeley is crap because of the large class size. Do you really need your class size to be 3 people?! Many upper divs have this so don’t complain. Professors are there to lecture and convey information and concepts. You will not learn anymore or any less (unless you have a mental condition) if you are in a lecture of 20 or 2,000. I actually LOVE lecture style because one thing I HATED with a passion was when high school teachers would pick on random people to answer questions and put them in the spotlight. I love the relaxation and anonymity that lectures give me. If you must have 1:1 face time than there is always Office hours and section has 20-30 for those that must hear their own voice all the time.</p>

<p>People at Berkeley don’t know how well they have it in terms of class availability. Sure people complain, but in the end it usually ends up fine and gradate on time. Our situation is not nearly as bad as the CSU and other schools were people are forced to stay an extra year. Usually 5 year stays are the result of a change of mind in major far into schooling or double major. I’ve taken several classes at Cal and If I want a class I usually always end up getting in, except for one class, but hey it was a class I didn’t need and it was really popular and heavily reserved for psych majors since it was an upper div. I have always gotten into Bio, chem labs, lecture and physics without any problem and I’m a compulsive schedule changer. I managed to sign up for Bio 1A/L, Physics 8A, Physics 8B and Bio 1B, which are all impacted, ALL in phase 2. </p>

<p>Berkeley is real and raw, which I love. The competition is cut throat and there will be many slaps in the face, but hey isn’t that the real world and in this economy you have to be the most prepared. This school IMO succeeds in attaining a major goal in that it educates and prepares people for the real world. We are here to be challenged and learn as much as we can, not to handed everything we want.</p>

6

<p>Can someone explain what “cut-throat” at berkeley is? (i know what cut throat means, i just want to be explained what “Berkeley cuthroat” is) and if it is very cut throat, should I just go to UCLA (is it less)??</p>

7

<p>Cutthroat? When I was up at Berkeley back in March, I found people very nice (I like to randomly go up to people and introduce myself). Perhaps they didn’t view me as competition though!</p>

<p>Could someone maybe elaborate on afterschool activities? I barely went off campus while at BMUN, and USC is pretty self-explanatory. It’s in LA! :P</p>

8

<p>sorry to jihack this thread, i just found this to be the closest related to my decision, and didn’t want to create a new thread.</p>

<p>can you guys help me decide? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/896691-usc-vs-berkeley-vs-wustl-econ-business.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/896691-usc-vs-berkeley-vs-wustl-econ-business.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>Cutthroat means that the classes and tests are difficult and that the material is challenging.</p>

<p>It does not say anything about people cheating/sabotaging each other because that does not happen.</p>

10

<p>does berkeley being “cut throat” mean u will just learn more because it is that, or meaning it could affect ur chances of getting into grad school? I’m sure grad schools take the competitiveness into consideration but if ur constantly getting B’s and C’s instead of A’s and B’s is that fine because it’s “hard”?</p>

11

<p>(This is a re-post, but it’s still relevant.)</p>

<p>Try to visit both schools. Both schools have very different environments and I’m well versed in both since my sister goes to USC.</p>

<p>Here is the gist:</p>

<p>Berkeley
Social: Greek life is present but not a dominate force. We are located very close to San Fran and those who are 21+ like escaping to the bars there. Sports Games are still big deal here and have gotten even bigger since we have been doing well in football and basket ball (pac 10 champs). Because Berkeley has so many students, I believe one will find a social setting and group that fits their personality.
Physical location: Berkeley is located in a urban city and has several urban problems that are present in all urban locations. The location does not harm the academics or social life.
Student body: Largely Asian and I like that since I am Asian American. Book worm types and very politically active. The student body will protest everything and anything. One cannot say Berkeley’s student body lacks passion.
Academics: People on CC like to say Berkeley’s environment is cut-throat, but it’s not that bad. One needs to be very independent and self motivated. If you possess those characteristics you will be able to deal with the bureaucracy.</p>

<p>USC
Social: Greek life is prevalent, but one does not need to be Greek to have a life. The primary reason Greek life is so prominent is because there is very little to do in the intimidate area. However, the admin is changing that by developing a new university mall, similar to Westwood, in 2014. Sports are king at USC. I don’t think I need to talk about more about their legendary sports program.
Physical location: Same as Berkeley, except USC is investing more money in the surrounding area. So, it may get better with time. I’ve been the campus several times and it’s not that bad at all. I have friends who go to SJSU and that area is more dangerous than USC’s.
Student Body: USC is the school of the work-hard-party-hard moguls. They are beautiful, well connected, wealthy, and smart. Some people believe because the students like to party, it means they do not study and are not intelligent but it is simply not true. That statement should be reserved for UCSB.
Academics: USC is very student orientated. They have several resources for students to perform well and if one is struggling, USC will try everything to keep you and your money. Out of all honesty, USC undergraduate academics are very comparable to Berkeley’s. It’s when one compares grad schools that gaps in rankings appear. Any university that’s ranked in the 20’s are very comparable with others in the 20’s. The same goes for any set of the universities grouped in the same 10’s place.</p>

<p>Again, you should try to visit both campuses and see which one calls to you.</p>

<p>It’s the classic story of Nor Cal v. So Cal. One area will grab you and I guarantee you will fall in love.</p>

12

<p>Ah, well while undergrad degree doesn’t matter quite so much, Berkeley has an amazing engineering program. Only problem is that I was accepted into Biology/Immunology, and I’m not quite so sure how easy it is to transfer from College of Letters and Sciences to the engineering school (and even then, is it worth it as an undergrad engineering degree). I was trying to look up the information online or find the number to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, but the didn’t list a number :(</p>

<p>@BayBoi10: Thank you so much for posting that!! Unfortunately it only makes me more conflicted because they are BOTH what I want. I’m a SoCal girl to be honest, though, so I don’t know how well I’ll fit up in NorCal</p>

13

<p>Well, just called Berkeley’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions and transferring from Biology/Immunology to BME doesn’t seem likely. This tips the scale in USC’s favor considering I really want to study BME…</p>

14

<p>Berkeley isn’t that great…but USC really sucks. Who actually wants go to USC other than meeting hot girls?</p>

15

<p>@cantsaywho,</p>

<p>can you give me the number? cause i need to ask about transferring out of CNE to LS</p>

16

<p>Here’s the number:
(510) 642-3175</p>

<p>Good luck transferring! I hear it’s an entirely new application process, and I think you have to wait a semester to appeal :(</p>

<p>Depending on my FA package from USC, that will ultimately make my decision.</p>

17

<p>Berkeley is a million times better than USC.</p>

18

<p>No further insight as to why it’s better? :P</p>

19

<p>visit both, spend time, the right choice will become obvious to you.</p>

20

<p>BME? Neither school makes the Top Ten. You should have applied to UC San Diego if you wanted to stay in California. But I happen to like Vitterbi if that is between Berkeley Arts and Science and USC Vitterbi. That Engineering school is an up and comer. Watch for a lot of funding coming in from China.</p>