<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>So I know Cal's EECS is very difficult and that I won't have a life during these 2 years. However, I do want to go to graduate school someday. And I have been hearing stories that you basically have to fight to get a B and you just have to be a genius to get an A. A lot of counselors have been telling me that I am better off going to Cal Poly or UC Davis and doing great there, then going to a prestigious gradate school.</p>
<p>I was wondering what others thought about this. I figure it the subject matter is very difficult anyway, and I will have a hard time, or matter where I go. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated!</p>
<p>Personally, as far as engineering, I don't know if it's worth it. Engineering is ABET accredited and you learn the same stuff no matter where you go. That's not saying you should go to some clown college or something, but I don't see you getting much more out of going to Berkeley than UC Davis or Cal Poly for undergrad(although I dunno if Cal Poly does research, so that might matter if you're looking for that). And if you're intent on going to grad school, I REALLY don't know if it's worth it because of all the grade deflation.</p>
<p>As far as employment, I don't think you'll have to worry about that if you get an engineering degree from any of these schools.</p>
<p>That's just my 2 cents. I'm not an engineer (although I've thought about it and looked into it a lot) so take whatever I say however you want.</p>
<p>As a Cal EECS major myself, I would have to side with your counselors. Freshman admissions into EECS is between 5-10% and Transfers are very slim as well. You're getting one of the top 3 programs in the nation at a 1/3 of the price! This makes a very very strong and competitive department. Bear in mind that our department's AVERAGE is a 2.7 - and all of these students were the valedictorians and top 5% of their classes in high school. </p>
<p>If you plan to attend graduate school, I would only recommend Cal if you are up for the challenge. Simply consider this, for a slightly less prestigious bachelor's degree, you CAN get far higher grades, stand out for a strong rec, plus work on publications and research which will lead to connections and easier entry into graduate school.</p>
<p>That said, you will be challenged and pushed here. You may not be as much at other schools. PM if you have any additional questions.</p>
<p>^^^
Pretty sure he already got into Berkeley EECS</p>
<p>Yes. The point demonstrates the caliber of students within the program - and the competition which occurs even after admissions. </p>
<p>I have yet to hear "the hardest part about Berkeley engineering is getting in..." which I have with some Ivy and highly ranked institutions.</p>