<p>Hi,
I know this is a rather open ended question, but I'd really like some tips on how to start off on the right foot in terms of classes and really stand out as a student. One of my biggest fears about Berkeley is not being able to get into classes required classes or the really interesting ones because of various reasons, so are there any tips concerning registration?<br>
Also, another concern of mine is being able to distinguish oneself academically without getting lost in the crazy UC system or just becoming another student out of 30,000 others. What sort of opportunities are there to aspire for? For example, research projects with professors/other merit based programs? And how would that be achieved?
(in case anyone is wondering, I'm pretty much undecided with interests in...everything from film studies to MCB)
And finally, this is rather shallow but I was disappointed not to have gotten the regents scholarship, but does that make a very big difference in the long run?</p>
<p>Sorry about the long-winded questions but I just yesterday decided to turn down some privates for Cal so I'm rather clueless about the school. Also, I know my questions are very academically oriented, however feel free to mention any extracurricular opportunities as well.<br>
Thanks everyone for answering!</p>
<p>No, it doesn’t matter at all in terms of the issues you are concerned about.</p>
<p>One thing you can do is sign up for freshman seminars in areas of your interest.</p>
<p>Aggressively pursue your interests. Contact professors who share those interests. You’d be surprised how receptive they can be to a student who is really interested. Choose less famous, younger professors too, they may be looking for the opportunity to mentor someone.</p>
<p>if you’re interested in research, actively search out labs, professors, and topics you are interested in and GO TO OFFICE HOURS to talk to them about it. prepare/read up on the topics and at least have a hook for the professor to be interested in working with you (an undergraduate) in his lab or research areas.</p>
<p>Go to lecture! You’ll be surprised how much of a difference that makes. Ask intelligent questions, and be involved in the class. If you like the subject matter, then it’ll show.</p>
<p>I really think people would be surprised how this can work. If you are sitting in the same place, near the front, every class, if you are making truly intelligent comments or answering the professor’s questions, you can make an impression, even in a very large class. Most kids haven’t done the reading ahead of time, aren’t paying attention, or are too timid. </p>
<p>However, your comments have to be insightful. If you are just talking to hear your own voice, you won’t be doing yourself any good.</p>
<p>It’s all about knowing what you think you want. There’s plenty of information on the Berkeley site about how past students have done great things. Determination to seek out that information is key.</p>
<p>Let me give a personal example. I had a specific interest entering Berkeley. There was a graduate seminar in that topic. I asked the professor and he let me audit the seminar. An internship opportunity came up, and he recommended me for it, which led to a cool part-time job I did for a few years. Later on when I needed a letter of reference for something else, he was able to give me one. When I needed an honors thesis advisor, he was able to recommend someone, and that professor is my good friend to this day, years later. You make connections and it leads to other connections. But you have to go make the connections.</p>