I need some advice on choosing between the Berkeley and UCSB Honors. I initially was planning to just submit my SIR to SB because I didn’t think I’d get into Berkeley and now that I got in, I’m extremely torn (like really really really conflicted, I couldn’t concentrate in school today). I got into the College of Letters and Sciences for both schools.
Anyways, here’s some info that might help:
-I’m planning to major in Philosophy and /possibly/ CS (planning to learn how to code over summer break for fun, I’m already learning some at the moment. Not 100% sure I’ll major)
-I want to go to grad school, possibly pre-med (I know everyone wants to do pre-med) or possibly nursing/dental school. I’m keeping my options open, but I do know I want to get another degree after getting a bachelors.
NOTE: I’m still not really sure what I want to do, I’ve been in a limbo for the past few weeks and doubting myself and my abilities but as of now the stuff I stated above is what I’m planning to do
-Money is not an issue, Cal and SB both cost around the same for me, although Cal is a little cheaper by ~$2k
-My sister attends Cal, so I’ve visited quite a few times. I like how the campus is centralized and I really do enjoy the food around campus. I also grew up in the Bay Area and love the weather, and plus SF is close by though I doubt I’ll have time to dilly dally in SF.
-I’m vegan so if cal or sb is more vegan friendly that might sway me more??
I’m conflicted about my GPA for grad school and meeting new people because frankly, I’m fricking terrible at it. I really love to learn and I know I’m going to college to “expand my mind+character” (sorry for cheesiness/cliche but really, I don’t plan on partying). From what I’ve read about Berkeley, the cut-throat atmosphere scares the poop out of me. And I’m really introverted and I’m the type of person that has like 2/3 really close friends and everyone else is an acquaintance.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that if I go to berk, its not going to be easy, I have to work my butt off, and I’m not going to have a straight 4.0 at Berk. I’ve gotten Bs in high school but never Cs and I can’t imagine failing a class and destroying my CGPA so grad school won’t be a possibility. Hopefully I’m not overthinking everything.
And lastly, is the honors program really that special at SB? I know priority registration is good, but is honors advising and the other stuff worth it?
Thanks for your input!