<p>I called the physics department at both UCLA and CAL today (my son admitted for both - tho spring 2014 for CAL) to make a phone appt for my son to ask questions since this is his chosen major. This is a huge decision and I am losing sleep! </p>
<p>He loved his tour of UCLA and was ready to sign but now is being swayed to CAL. When I spoke to physics at UCLA she asked what other school he is considering and when I told her, she said, "It's always that!" </p>
<p>Would UCLA be easier for him or is that a myth?</p>
<p>SO, everyone - pros and cons would be helpful. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>It’s hard to say if UCLA physics will be easier. Practically no one has gone through undergrad physics programs at both schools to directly compare. People just speculate and project off other peoples’ experiences.</p>
<p>Did your son visit Berkeley? If not, I suggest a visit. The environments/campuses are different.</p>
<p>Yes, we know both campuses and they are completely different which is why it’s such a dilemma. DO you think being admitted for Spring will put him at a disadvantage? He is planning to do the Fall Program at CAL</p>
<p>^ The spring admits usually feel integrated quickly…FPF program helps. </p>
<p>One other big difference between Cal and UCLA is that Cal is on the semester system, UCLA is on quarter system. Both have their plusses and minuses. Semesters allow you to sorta relax a bit - there’s also one less time per year registering and buying books. Benefit of quarters are you get done with a bad professor more quickly.</p>
<p>It’s a gut feeling decision…what does your son feel most comfortable with?<br>
Best of luck!</p>
<p>one day it"s CAL, next it’s UCLA. arggh. I personally like the quarter system - only three subjects to focus on at once, plus no studying over holiday breaks. But, CAL is CAL.</p>
<p>^ Fall semester starts late August ends week before Christmas - no studying till mid-January. Spring semester is interrupted by spring break though.</p>