<p>Both UCLA and Berkeley are amazing schools, so because of that I agree with Eshug1 that no matter which school you choose, you may feel that you have some regrets. I personally chose Berkeley over UCLA. I am really happy here. It is a VERY different environment than UCLA and SoCal, though. In that way, I don’t think the schools can be compared. If you like a very, very clean, sunny and traditionally beautiful campus, then UCLA may be the place for you. </p>
<p>If you may are OK with a somewhat older campus in an older part of the country that is more like a traditional east coast/European city in many ways, then you might like Berkeley. You’ll also end up walking, taking the bus or subway a lot more in Berkeley than you would in LA… they are just different places and I’ve met people that really prefer the Berkeley atmosphere over LA and vice versa. Be sure to visit before you make your decision!</p>
<p>In terms of academics, they’re really similar. I think the two campuses may attract different types of people, but we all study hard. I have the feeling that both are about equal in terms of science, but that Berkeley may have the upper hand in the humanities/social sciences. I am a Poli Sci major and I’m always surprised by how many really important social science people teach here at Cal.</p>
<p>Finally, the social atmosphere at CAL does tend towards activism a bit more than at UCLA, I get the feeling but both schools are big enough that you’ll be able to find a lot of different crowds, I think.</p>
<p>Claremont is in the ghetto, all sorts of gang violence over there. and show me some ranks that say it is better then UCLA or UCB. it’s a liberal arts college for crying out loud!</p>
<p>Your reasoning why people should go to UCLA does dot apply to everyone. The definition of happiness is subjective. For example, one person with an introverted personality - one who prefers to study rather than to interact with people - may actually be happier at Berkeley, while on the other hand an extroverted personality might like it better at UCLA. It all depends which school the individual fits in. You seem like the kind of person who would fit in better at UCLA.</p>
<p>Anonymous, are you really this opposed to Berkeley? I’m confronted with this exact issue (UCLA or UCB), and I’m stumped. If they’re semi-close imo, would you really recommend I play it safe and just roll with UCLA?</p>
<p>I know this is off topic and late, but thank you for that jim halpert quote. we are friends now.</p>
<p>I had a good shot at berk but didn’t even apply…just no interest for me. now it’s sd/la for me. IMO sd has the best transfer-oriented program available. plus the weather, location, and smaller feel.</p>
<p>emil, i’m guessing that berkeley has been a long time dream for you and I be you’re super amped to be a berkeley student. I was the same way, but it’s just not worth it. especially if you’re going to have to stay an extra semester. I hate my experience here and I wish I had the chance to go to UCLA. The weather is better, the people are cooler (don’t have an undeserved sense of superiority), getting away from norcal would be great, the academics are the same, the campus is nicer, the living conditions are better…i could go on but It’s 1030 am and i’m going back to sleep. :D</p>