<p>Hey everybody, this is pretty long but please hear me out.
So I need to decide between attending UC Davis (College of Ag and Environ Science) and UC Berkeley (College of Natural Resources) next fall. Davis gave me a Regent Scholarship as well as another scholarship both totaling about $15,000. Berkeley gave me about $5500 and money is definitely a determining factor since my parents are divorced, mom is disabled, and older brother is going to UC Santa Barbara without any financial aid. I know the logical choice would be going to UC Davis but I want to know as much as I can about both schools before submitting my SIR. I plan to major in Environmental Science, both schools have a good reputation in it. I have a small list for each school but I would like everyone’s input and opinions.</p>
<p>Berkeley: I hear Cal for undergraduate is quite competitive and cutthroat - meaning lots of stress and time studying. Some professors are disengaged i.e. don’t really care that you’re there plus it is hard to stand out from thousands of other students. I visited a few years ago but don’t remember much aside from people with pale faces quietly walking between classes without much interaction but I will be going to Cal Day. Does prestige factor alone outweigh the cost of attending?
Davis: Everyone is friendly and helpful, I’m a person who loves making lots of friends. Seems to be more laid back- more parties/fun? perhaps a little easier than Berkeley but still challenging nonetheless. I know people say it’s a cow town but I’ve already visited and it seemed pretty nice. The most positive aspects are the Regent Scholarship which puts me in the Integrated Studies Honors Program(could anyone tell me how helpful this is?)</p>
<p>I know they are both extremely good schools but I want to get the right fit. This might not apply to some people’s answers but what are the social/dating scenes like? I enjoy studying but I like to let off a little steam on the weekends, party a little, but nothing excessive. Lastly, this may seem a bit shallow, but how are the girls? I’ve heard good and bad things and I want to sort out truth from rumor.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!</p>
<p>I faced the same decision last year, plus also Regents at UCLA. I picked Davis, and so far I haven’t regretted my choice at all.</p>
<p>I think your descriptions of the two schools are more or less accurate. I think Davis classes strike a good balance between being challenging and pushing you and not being extremely cutthroat which allows you to have a life and have a shot at getting good grades. </p>
<p>Party scene: People who want to party are rarely left party-less, freshmen most of the major parties are at frats, which happen fairly often, and if you join a frat/sorority you’ll have way more then enough. while at the same time there are enough people who don’t party, or don’t do it regularly that one can have a social life without drinking.</p>
<p>As long as you like UC Davis as much as/more than Cal, you should go to UC Davis. The difference in prestige (which doesn’t actually correlate with quality of undergraduate education) is not worth $40,000.</p>
<p>CalDay is like a big show and tell day which doesn’t reflect everyday student life. Go on one of the normal school days. Pick a couple big intro classes that you will likely take and sit in to get a better feel.</p>
<p>Berkeley is known for its competitive curves. There are a lot of hard working smart students there.</p>
<p>Does Davis give priority enrollment to Regents? If so, that is worth a lot! Go on the Berkeley forum and search for TeleBear. You will see how many agonize over enrollment.</p>
<p>The money makes a big difference also.</p>
<p>Both are good schools but Davis seems to be a better deal.</p>
<p>My son is choosing Davis as an Engineering major over UCLA with an Alumni scholarship. Loved Miller Hall…got to stay overnight & really enjoyed it. We loved it too! Hard to give up the priority registration. It’s worth it’s weight in gold!</p>
<p>I am thinking for applying to Davis too… and I was hoping to get Regents.
If you don’t mind me asking what were yours stats like? Sat, GPA and EC’s?
Do you know what some of the deciding factors getting regents are?</p>
<p>SAT-2220 (720M, 760R, 740W)-best single seating
GPA-3.97 Unweighted, 4.44 weighted, 4.68 10-11 weighted
SAT II-800 Math Level 2, 800 Chemistry, 790 US History
Eagle Scout, Marching Band Section Leader, Jazz Band-1st Chair, over 300 hrs community service, National Merit Commended, 11 AP Classes, AP Scholar With Distinction</p>
<p>I believe that getting chosen for a Regents Scholarship is mainly based on GPA & SAT scores, but not entirely sure. Probably also depends on your major.</p>