<p>From what I heard, UC Berkeley is one intensely competitive school. I heard that people always study 24/7, lack social skills, are boring, and are heavy stoners. Is this true? Is UC Berkeley, a top university, really this bad?? Also, I heard that many students out of despair and depression over their academic shortcomings, commit suicides every year. What would drive such talented ppl to wanting to kill themselves? come on, suicide??? they can't be that retarded, right?? Overall,my impression on UC Berkeley is that of a depressing place that drives intelligent students into insane, pot smoking freaks who are anti-social and have various mental illnesses as a result of coming to Berkeley. If this perspective is all too true, I might have to think twice before I really decide that I want to go here.</p>
<p>It's obvious you've never been to a competitive private school where everyone has a 4.5+ WGPA and a 2300+. Competition is EVERYWHERE.</p>
<p>Not everyone commits suicide, not everyone is in despair, and not everyone is depressed. It only represents a few percentage, and this is noticeable at ANY college.</p>
<p>You may say that other top universities, such as Stanford and Princeton, don't have these crazy stories, but you forget the fact that Berkeley is a PUBLIC school. It is so affordable that anyone can get in, and as a result, competition is extremely tough. People are at each other's necks for grades, and only the strong survive. But then again, isn't life like that?</p>
<p>If you have only read the stories and already think you can't handle it, I suggest you reconsider Berkeley (or go back to High School, just kidding).</p>
<p>yea, you are right, Castel.
I shouldn't be afraid of competition. I've made it this far by getting good grades and test scores, so I might as well get into Berkeley if I could.
Berkeley is too good to turn away!
Thanks Castel, for pointing out that competition is unavoidable and helping me realize that Berkeley is definitely a jewel. I can't live life fully if I am afraid of what life is!</p>
<p>Haha, I made a difference. I feel so happy.</p>
<p>Yeah, I've heard "Berzerkly" quite often as well when referring to Cal. I've also heard "poorest quality of life" when referring to student life at Berkeley (I guess they're just insanely stressed and uptight?).
As far as suicides go, there are suicides at many universities due to intense pressure, so I wouldn't single them out as being the only ones with depressed student. I don't know, anyone at Berkeley care to opine?</p>
<p>I havent heard of any suicides this year. And the stereotypes presented here were somewhat like the ones I had. Many of them are not true. At least from what ive seen. Except maybe berkeley vision. hahaha</p>
<p>and everyone does not lack social skills. My floor is actually too social to the point that I cant study without hearing yelling and screaming and music blaring in the hall every day.</p>
<p>You guys are exaggerating. Some people are competitive and some lazy, just like anywhere else. Your social life is what you make of it. If you can pull off good time management, you will have enough time for school, extracurriculars, and friends-- don't worry so much.</p>
<p>i bet there're different ppl out there too :) i hear berkeley's one of the more liberal UCs though.. haha. and the neighborhood has a lot of hobos hanging around? haha my friends said that but maybe it was just to joke w/ me
and this other grl also said there're always ppl who'll sabotage you, but there'll also be true friends that'll always be there to help you-like any other school.</p>
<p>berkeley isn't the ritziest of towns, but thats something that I love about it. it has a certain charm that i've never found anywhere else. telegraph avenue may seem like a dirty mess that, at first glance, you want to stay away from, but with time you'll learn that it is a jewel for good food and funny stories. as for people who sabotage your work...i'd always heard this rumor when i was in high school, but now that i'm here i can honestly say it is a rarity. i've never experienced it, and i'm a science major (which is where people mostly presume things like this to happen). the most sabotage-like act i've experienced is people not pulling their own weight in a project, which is annoying, but you'll get that anywhere. it's just unfortunate that at a place like berkeley it still happens. all i can say is, don't believe everything you hear about berkeley. i never imagined myself going to Cal before I got in, and now there is no where else I'd rather be. sure, you'll find antisocial braniacs who care nothing about grades and numbers, but there are plenty of friendly, social AND smart people to make up for it.</p>
<p>LOL @ urd0rkk, i've heard of berkeley vision bahahahhaa</p>
<p>and it definitely exists</p>
<p>what is berkeley vision?</p>
<p>depending on your standards, you will, or you will not find out... lol
but basically, "berkeley vision" parades on the fact (or opinion) that girls here are not as... well, superficially appealing. Dont worry though-your "vision" will soon adjust to and accommodate your lack of appeal.</p>
<p>Haha! I've never heard Berkeley being THAT crazy, jasonlee576. I visit a few friends who attend the school; they don't seem to be driven mad crazy. They're pretty normal from what I've observed.</p>
<p>The campus always gives me a warm feel... (: I've applied there, good luck to all of us! (:</p>
<p>And yes, be prepared for competition...even at this very moment!</p>
<p>yes i have heard that berkeley isnt exactly ....possessing a gorgeous female body of students....</p>
<p>Well, it's also a style thing. Berkeley women often aren't the girlie-girl types who play up their feminine cuteness or beauty, IMO. But that doesn't mean they look bad naked, in many cases.</p>
<p>Erm. <em>cough</em></p>
<p>/thread. :P</p>
<p>
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Yeah, I've heard "Berzerkly" quite often as well when referring to Cal. I've also heard "poorest quality of life" when referring to student life at Berkeley (I guess they're just insanely stressed and uptight?).
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This is the perfect example of why you visit a campus before attending. So you can dispel urban legend from truth.</p>
<p>
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but basically, "berkeley vision" parades on the fact (or opinion) that girls here are not as... well, superficially appealing.
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Funny, girls say the exact same thing about the guys. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Hey, at least you'll have a smart kid.</p>