<p>^^ They could have been a problem for bad reasons though. As in, the people reading your essays could have looked for things that they really shouldn’t have. Obviously if you made it into UChicago and were waitlisted at Caltech, you’re doing something right.</p>
<p>Haha hey Ashwin! I got into UChicago as well! We might meet each other. ;)</p>
<p>Ashwin, I know the sting of the UCB rejection is horrible since it was one of your top choice schools, and I also know that this advice is cliche, but please, please believe me (and other posters) when I tell you that everything that happens, happens for a reason and I promise you that in the end, you will be SO happy that things have worked out they way they have. </p>
<p>You’ve been admitted to some AMAZING schools. Please give yourself the permission to revel in that fact! Your accomplishments have/will continue to pay off. Whichever of these prestigous schools you attend will be exciting, fun and academically unmatched. </p>
<p>I do think for your own peace of mind, if UCB truly is your #1 choice, you should check into appealing, just so you will know that you were thorough in your efforts and not have any regrets. But if the end result is the same, move on with peace and both eyes laser-focused on your future.</p>
<p>
Do the Regents not think Cal has slipped enough in the past ten years? Berkeley used to at the top with Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. But because parents keep b****ing about how their kid deserves to go to the best public university just because it is a “public” institution, more and more low quality students get admitted and end up failing. UCLA is already edging out over Cal in international school rankings. At this rate, other state schools like UT-Austin and UM-Ann Arbor will overtake Cal within the next five years</p>
<p>Within the next 5 years, Cal will probably be mostly privatized and this won’t matter.</p>
<p>I really really wish Berkeley would lower their admission and take in less in-state students. Frankly speaking there are quite a few undeserving students here at Berk.</p>
<p>But I don’t think they’ll ever do it. Like Sakky points out often, if that was done there would be protests in sproul and occupations in wheeler. After all, it’s a “public” university - “free” access for all.</p>
<p>Beating a dead horse here.</p>
<p>Ya, this same issue has been covered over and over again. The thread usually wanders off from the original topic and ends here - public and private Berk.</p>
<p>Hey there AshwinSundar!
I know EXACTLY how you feel! Cal actually wasn’t my first choice, UCLA was (still is), and I didn’t get in. I didn’t reallyyy expect to, or care at first (because I already got UCLA), so in a way we’re different, but when I found out that most of the people I knew who’d gotten into UCLA got into Cal, I was actually really hurt. People have posted that Cal looks more for the “well rounded” personality, but the thing is I know that I had a comparable GPA, better SAT, pretty well rounded EC’s (more than most I knew again), and some have told me, better essays. My essays were also about me as a person. So I don’t really blame you for feeling this way, but I also wanted to say I’m really proud of you!! If you got into DUKE and U of CHICAGO and Cal turned you down? Maybe it’s the school that wasn’t right for you, or they knew there were bigger and better things out there for you. Though I’m tempted to round off on the school and about the quality, I know I’d only be bitter. 
Cal is really close in ranking to LA, and I actually know a lot more people who’d prefer LA over Cal. One guy who graduated last year got into Cal and not LA and ended up going to Cal State Fullerton. So I think Cal isn’t that… great? Hope this makes you feel even a little better. :)</p>
<p>@mathboy98, everyone is entitled to their own opinion; if you don’t like mine, leave it along.</p>
<p>I happen to know readers who evaluate Cal frosh applicants. So I’m just sharing a glimpse of what goes on behind the curtain. I’m not saying it’s fair or totally objective, it’s just the way it is.</p>
<p>The OP’s post is justified and he does have a right to complain because the college admissions process is indeed becoming increasingly “jacked up”, especially at some of the top tier schools. Although I admit that posting complaints on an online forum will not help blow off steam, this is one of the reasons that this forum or forums like these is/are created.</p>
<p>To AskMsSun - </p>
<p>I sincerely apologize if my words offended you if all you meant to convey is that things aren’t fair or objective. Let me clarify to you what I was objecting to – here are your words:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>My problem with this is that the words above do NOT just convey that things going on behind the curtains may be less than fair or objective. In particular, they chide a student who knew several individuals in his own school and believes his application should have been chosen over theirs, on the basis that there is “more information” the admissions office may know. The admissions office has some pieces of paper. What’s more, I know they make questionable decisions. I firmly believe knowing someone personally and knowing how they are at maths, science and engineering is an infinitely better measure of how prepared and worthy they are of being admitted as compared to the pieces of paper submitted to an admissions office. What’s more, there is hard and fast evidence posted here that this applicant had what is better a profile than many actual folks admitted do. I do not see the basis of dismissing his complaints. </p>
<p>If this wasn’t your intended meaning, I am sorry of course. But I posted your exact words, and I’m quite sure my interpretation of them is reasonable, so I’d consider being a little careful how you word things from now on. </p>
<p>As to:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I guess my opinion was that the perspective I quoted is misguided, and I’m entitled to mine, and certainly put some effort into justifying why I think so. </p>
<p>Bottom line is, there’s a problem. No point denying it. Which too many people on this thread implicitly did by going after the OP’s ego instead of focusing on the fact of the matter.</p>
<p>The answer is to not vote for the DAAP
:D</p>
<p>I wonder when I should start recommending my younger friends not to come to Cal. COE is a little insulated from this crap, but this place is going to tank eventually.
I’m also pretty bitter about not getting Regent’s (probably because I suck at interviews).
IMHO Berkeley is overrated, though I haven’t seen other high-ranked schools.</p>
<p>@AskMsSun: what if our opinion is that we should be able to criticize other people’s opinions? or are certain people’s opinions beyond reproach?</p>