<p>Self validation only goes so far (unless you're an entrepreneur or the like). And by respected, I mean it's probably one of the best places in the world to get an education, whether grad or undergrad. I personally wouldn't pass that up if I was there. Same thing here- UVA is also one of the best universities. Things like UVA's campus being pretty and other stuff are just little bonuses, not part of the big picture.</p>
<p>I guess if you have the money it's worth it to come here from CA. UVA offers an unparalleled ugrad experience compared to its peers, IMO. I've heard undergraduate life at Berkeley described as "dreary".</p>
<p>For most Berkeley students, the college experience is anything but dreary. From my outsider's perspective (as a student from France), I found the campus and its surroundings to be quite gorgeous and my years at Berkeley were the most stimulating and enjoyable of my life.</p>
<p>semiserious, clearly Berkeley wasn't right for you, and I'm glad that UVA seems to be such a great personal fit, but you should praise UVA on its own merits (you definitely have a strong leg to stand on here) instead of thrashing Berkeley and taking a few liberties with the facts in that exercise. Berkeley's campus proper actually isn't very large, its enrollment is 32,000 not 40,000, class sizes actually aren't that large (74% of undergrad classes at Berkeley are under 30 students, only 7% have over 100.) </p>
<p>As far as architecture, most find that the main ossature of buildings on the Berkeley campus, which was designed by some of the finest American architects of their time (Maybeck, Howard, Morgan and Olmstead) and built in harmony with its unique site to be quite beautiful.</p>
<p>Anyway, congrats to all the new Cavs and best of luck on your college careers and thanks for letting me chime in. Cheers.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, CalX, I really don't mean to bash Berkeley so much!</p>
<p>I just feel a bit defensive. I don't like having to defend myself for choosing not to attend Berkeley and I tend to bristle a bit when it's mentioned. I often feel rather critized on these boards for my choice and it's starting to get on my nerves. As a result I sort of overcompensate by defending myself a lot more...negatively...than I need to. I apologize, I don't hate Berkeley has much as it appears. :)</p>
<p>Fair enough semiserious, thanks very much for taking the time to explain your perspective. There is a lot of merit in wanting to go outide of the beaten path for college, I went through the same path.</p>
<p>I think your situation is reasonable, but sometimes you're a bit unfair. Many people choose to graduate in five years rather than are forced to because they want to study abroad, because they love college and want to stick around, because they can't afford college and would rather take time off to work than take out more loans, although granted a small number are forced to, and things have been done to eliminate the difficulty of getting classes. The "red tape" nonsense is often exagerrated far beyond reality. Also (not that you said this) biology is not hard to get as a major. Some people have problems getting into the major that they want, but the vast majority seems to be fine. Anway, your position is understandable, but you could be a tad more fair.</p>
<p>PS More Virginians should apply to Berkeley! :)</p>