<p>For all who have been to CalSO already, how is it? Worth it, boring, fun etc. Give us who haven't gone a heads up on what to expect! Thanks</p>
<p>My CalSO ended today at 1.
My thoughts on the event are that it was fun, but at the same time, not entirely worth the money except for the fact that you get to sign up for your classes for Phase I telebears. You do get to do a lot of things–you tour the campus, meet some lecturers, discuss certains things, and make friends.
But the schedule was so cramped that there wasn’t much free time, and you get exhausted by the time they give you free night time because you walk so darn much around the campus.
Food was decent, and I thought the hot breakfast this morning for day 2 was the best even thought it was just ordinary breakfast food.
Counselors(Cal students who will lead your group) were very informative and fun, and they teach you these superstitions and traditions. They will tell you a lot about the department and their experience as first year students. They were somewhat brainwashing the students by forcing them to do whatever(sing songs or dance), but they were very approachable and gave very personal and informative answers.
I can’t say I didn’t like it because I did like it. I just think it wasn’t worth the whole money.</p>
<p>I went over the June 5-6 weekend. Being OOS (and thus knowing nobody before calso) I really liked it as everybody was nice and friendly so I met a bunch of people. You get into a group of ~10 people with a counsellor (all of whom seemed to be nice helpful people), learn some cheers/traditions, hear a bunch of talks etc., then on the second day you go register for Phase I classes and take the picture for the School ID. There’s a lot of walking so definitely wear comfy shoes. Dining hall food is okay, the food around the school is great. I’m not sure if it was worth the $210 + transportation but I liked it a lot. Good times.</p>
<p>It was worth it. The highlights of your CalSO will most likely be how you begin to develop your social life at Cal. I mean, I got to meet a bunch of people and possibly made some friends already. It really helps that you’ll be in groups with the counselor (trained to be helpful, nice, open, and energetic 
). Also, you’ll learn traditions and cheers. For academic stuff, if you’re the type who looks online, it may be good review.</p>
<p>I do agree that there could’ve been a bit more free time. IMO, the late-night activities shouldn’t have been so… structured like it was, with the activities having to end at around 11 or so. Also, expect to walk, a lot. And don’t be scared from using your AP score to satisfy math courses. Chances are, they’re actually scaring you. :P</p>
<p>You’ll generally meet some people from your college and basically get to start setting stuff up in advance; you find out where a fair bit of stuff is, sign up for classes, get to have a decent talk about not overdoing it schedule-wise…</p>
<p>It might just be my total lack of anything resembling spirit, but I found it very annoying that we kept having to do the various chants etc… Depending on your financial state, Vestige may have a good point with regards to the cost.</p>