<p>If biology is your major, I would definitely say that UCSD looks to be more preferable than Berkeley. Many of my friends (also in-state Californians) were accepted to both SD and Cal and some picked SD (most were bio majors) while others picked Cal. Like the other posters have said, there will not be much of a difference in the level of “cutthroat-ness” at one school over the other. Especially in the Bio department, for which UCSD is known, the competition is incredibly fierce. </p>
<p>I, too, am a Biological sciences major and had to choose between UCSD and UCLA. I knew SD was renown for its bio, supplemented by many research opportunities at the multitude of companies nearby, but, to me, they both had excellent science programs so the academic difference was minuscule. At the end of it all, it came down to fit and where I felt most comfortable and able to succeed, which was UCLA for me. </p>
<p>At any of the UCs, you’re bound to find competitive, cutthroat peers and large classroom settings. However, each UC also has general education requirements in which you take classes outside of your major such as theater, writing, and philosophy. Don’t worry, you will be plenty well-balanced.</p>