<p>I visited Cal the other day and I didn't really like the atmosphere. As for UCLA, I love the campus and the weather, basically everything about it. Cal is definitely superior in academics and prestige, but people who go to Cal say it doesn't live up to the hype. I'm afraid that everyone will be super competitive/hermit-status that I won't be able to connect easily. I'm also afraid that I won't be able to keep up with the academics and thus fail (but then again, I suppose the average GPA is ~1point lower than high school GPA). I feel like I'm deciding between prestige/social life. Any help please?</p>
<p>bump! in the exact same situation</p>
<p>I got into Cal and loved the campus. Never listen to other people’s opinions. Picking colleges comes down to personal preference. You can never know whether or not you will like the campus or what its social scene is like until you attend. While picking colleges, I looked up undergraduate institution data for the UCs I had been accepted to. Based on surveys, most students were generally satisfied with the college they went to so I’m sure you will be fine regardless of where you attend. If you like UCLA better, then go there. They are both very prestigious universities and top ranked.</p>
<p>Agree with brewplanner.
I’d like to add:
This is your life. Unless there is money noise, or financial aid issues, go for the school whose environment you want to experience. If you plan on employment after graduation, UCB is not UCLA’s competition in the LA area, just like UCLA is not UCB’s competition in the bay area. Each schools resources will be strongest in their respective geography. So what UCLA may or may not be perceived as better than UCB? Who are these imaginary people we’re talking about? I don’t know them, do you?
If you plan on graduate school, both schools will have the resources and research opportunities you will need. Again we’re not talking about the prestige difference between UCB and say UCM or UCR(Not to discredit these schools).</p>
<p>Unless you want to live internationally or on the East Coast, the prestige is pretty comparable. Unless you are studying EECS or Business (UCLA offers neither), it’s doubtful that your choice will make a significant impact on your career.</p>
<p>UCLA and Cal classes are pretty comparable. So is the student body.</p>
<p>Go with the school that feels like a better fit for you.</p>
<p>If you want to have a social life in Berkeley, just choose the right dorm! It’s pretty impossible to be a “hermit” if you live in one of the units.</p>
<p>I lived in Unit 3 for two years and both times, people formed friendships the first weekend. Went to parties in groups, started drinking for the first time, went to dinner together every day all of that. Smaller groups begin to form later, but the parties keep going :)</p>
<p>Seriously, I got through 4 years of Berkeley with a ‘study hard, party hard’ mentality. Worked out great. I feel like a lot of people also do the same thing. Get both the prestige and social life in the end.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, everyone! Right now I’m leaning towards Cal because of its business program. Can anyone give me details on the dorms though?</p>
<p>Since you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, I would recommend ranking the Units first when you submit your housing app. If you’re able to attend Cal Day there are tours available for all of the dorms.</p>
<p>Quick rundown (ranked in order of social atmosphere):</p>
<p>Unit 3: Most social/has the most people who party; nearest to the gym; has a good dining commons and the Bear Market mini-mart; closest to Sproul Plaza</p>
<p>Units 1 & 2: Renovated more recently than Unit 3; closest to Crossroads dining commons (only one open late in the units); nearest to Underhill sports field and frat row; also close to campus.</p>
<p>Clark Kerr: Furthest from campus and more expensive than the Units, but has the largest rooms and a very good dining commons. Most athletes live here. </p>
<p>Foothill: More expensive than the Units, but also has larger rooms. Less social than the units. Close to Haas Business School and the engineering department.</p>
<p>@Caturday</p>
<p>Live in the co-ed units. Can’t really go wrong with 1,2 or 3… Although 1 and 3 are about a block closer to campus.</p>