I’ve been accepted to both UCs and waitlisted at Claremont McKenna, but I don’t know what to do assuming I get off the CMC waitlist. I live near UC Berkeley, so being close to home is definitely a concern that almost pushes me to LA. However, I’ve always hated the city of LA and the fact that UCLA is quarter system also worries me. As stupid as this will sound, I’ve also always just thought of Berkeley as #1 and LA as #2 even though that’s not quite true anymore, but in terms of prestige, I feel like Cal still takes the cake. In the long run, I am pretty set on going to law school but I’m not sure about a major. That’s partly why Cal may not be a good idea since it’s harder to get good grades at Cal than UCLA and you need stellar grades to get into a good law school. As for CMC, I like a lot about it, but I’m worried about the excessive drinking and party culture as well as the small size. The fact that it’s only around 1,000 students is terrifying, though maybe having the 5,000 in the whole consortium won’t be terrible. I am a very extroverted person and will be able to make friends easily, so I’m not too worried about that for any of these schools. Just really torn. Any suggestions would really help! Thank you in advance 
What’s wrong with living close to home?
This is a great reason to not attend UCLA.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with the quarter system. UCLA is heading into its centennial anniversary, and it’s been working so far. The quarter system may seem fast, but 10 weeks can also be excruciatingly long.
I tend to agree, although I turned down Cal. You have to find a balance in what you want, and consider location, weather, finances, and fit. Cal was the original University of California, and shall remain at the top as the flagship.
You will have to work hard at either school.
Do not partake, and surround yourself with like minded people.
You named a lot of concerns, but are there any pros among the schools? So far it seems like UCLA is at the bottom of your list, and until McKenna comes with a favorable decision, Berkeley is the way to go.
Thank you for your help! There are definitely a ton of pros for all the schools! I love everything about the city of Berkeley, the whole vibe on campus, the amazing professors, the liberal outlook, awesome food, and strong academics. I really like the fact that LA has a defined campus which Berkeley kind of lacks, also has amazing food, really nice people, and it seems like everyone who goes there loves it. The fact that CMC has such strong career-oriented programs works well for me since I’m pretty much decided on law and I think the small size can also be a good thing in that I can have closer interactions with my professors than at one of those big public schools.
As for your question about being close to home, I definitely see some of the positives of living close to home, but I also have a very conservative family and would like a little more freedom in college, so it might be easier to achieve that wish if I’m farther away. Then again, I could easily miss home if I go too far so I’m kind of conflicted (clearly haha)
Yes, you can party at CMC, but you don’t have to. And students at CMC have a good time whatever social path they choose. Remember that CMC is also highly athletic, exceptionally intellectual (often in a practically-oriented way), socially conscious, well connected to the arts and performance communities in LA, and politically as well-balanced as any school I’ve ever encountered. I suggest you spend time with like-minded students currently enrolled at all the schools before you make a decision. Life at a small liberal arts college (BTW, nearer to 1500 than to 1000) is much different from life at a university; I’ve always thought it better.
If you get in to Claremont McKenna, go there! The Claremont Colleges produce very strong candidates for law school, and law schools across the country recognize the merits of a liberal arts education in building your writing, critical thinking and communication skills. Otherwise, I’d probably go with Berkeley due to prestige and it strikes me as a more intellectual campus.
So many misconceptions in this thread…
UCLA is just as “intellectual” as Cal.
Cal has a very well-defined campus.
No, it will not be easier to maintain a higher GPA at UCLA than Cal.
The fact that you really don’t like the quarter system, and that you really hate LA are indications that Berkeley will be a better choice for you.