<p>Greetings, all. I was hoping that I could make a decision by myself with the help of friends and family, but I've realized that this is much more difficult than I had expected. I know that there are a number of knowledgeable people on this board and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and help me out.</p>
<p>I am currently deciding between Cal and UCLA (where I would be in the honors program.) I am undeclared for both, but I am probably headed toward a major in the life sciences. I really do not have any idea what I want to do; however, my entire family is full of doctors, and while that may be where I am headed, I hope that college will give me a more firm idea of what I'd like to do. </p>
<p>There are several factors that are important to me right now, and I was hoping you could help me out. I'm going to visit both schools before I make a decision. Note that money isn't an issue to my family.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Difficulty of getting in classes.
I received honors status at UCLA, which to my knowledge gives me priority for registering for classes. I have a friend at NYU who has told me that it's a pain registering for classes, and that she did not get into some of the classes she wanted to. Is this a problem at Berkeley? If so, is it big enough to be a deciding factor? </p></li>
<li><p>Semester vs. Quarter system
What are your thoughts personally about each system? Semester would require covering more material for finals, but it would also provide more opportunity for bringing up your grade. Quarter system is much faster and doesn't cover as much for finals, but there is less opportunity to maintain a good grade. Is there anything else I haven't considered? Would you prefer any situation over the other, or do their pros and cons wind up evening out?</p></li>
<li><p>Dorms
I'm not too familar with the housing situations at either school except for what little I've read on this board. If anyone here has knowledge to compare both school's dorms I'd greatly appreciate it. Would it be difficult for someone to avoid drinking/drugs/loud noise in a dorm at Berkeley? It's not a HUGE issue for me, I've been around it before, but it's just not really my cup of tea.</p></li>
<li><p>My future
As I stated earlier, I am very undecided right now about what I want to do. For a long time I wanted to be a sports journalist, and I've always considered being a doctor. I've heard rumblings in some of the more controversial threads that Berkeley is unfriendly to those who don't have a strong idea of what they want to do (e.g. finding research opportunities in labs.) Do you feel the same way, do you disagree, why?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Again, I appreciate comments from anyone, whether it be criticisms of Berkeley or praise of it. As time goes on (I have until May 1) I'll probably find more things to nitpick, so I may have more questions in the future. Thanks!</p>