Berkeley is the only UC I’m only applying to. I was thinking about incorporating specifics about different research centers that interest me, etc in my essays. Would this be a good idea or would it look weird to the admissions office?
You should be fine. As long you write well and make it true to the school, you shouldn’t have a problem. My main advice would be to make it as specific as possible. Don’t do the normal “I love the campus and the opportunities” that everyone does. Write about how you would see yourself doing research. They want to see how you fit into campus, not how well you can suck up to them.
If you are positive that UCB is the only UC you will be applying, then yes make it campus specific. There are 8 different essay prompts for the UC application so make sure the essays are about you and what you can contribute to UCB as a student.
I just read your April post about what you are looking for in a school and it sounds like Berkeley might not be the best fit. Since you are a rising junior, you have time to explore other options. As a California resident applying into CS, I would suggest that you look at the CS programs at the other UCs as well.
The UC application also has very extensive and detailed section for activities, extra-curriculars, volunteer service, work, extra classes, etc. Each activity can be a mini essay in itself (500-1000 characters). Make sure you don’t leave that section to the last minute.
Thank you; this is helpful. I’m definitely considering other UCs, but I just wanted to know the answer to this if I only end up applying to one.