<p>Hi, I was just admitted off the waitlist to Cal but I'm currently admitted to UCLA. I've heard all the horror stories and I'd ask that, while its going to sound like I'm taking the wrong approach, you try and answer my concerns without critiquing them if at all possible.</p>
<p>Most all of the things I've heard about Cal have had to do with rigorous, social life consuming work and stress that, despite having a semester system (vs. UCLA's quarter system) doesn't allow one much time to themselves. Granted I've also spoken to plenty of alumni that loved their time at Cal and couldn't speak any higher of it. What I want to know is will I have time to snowboard, mountain bike, cycle, fence, climb, socialize, surf, and just chill? I realize you're going to school for the education but I'm not about to pay the out-of-state tuition for four years of books and reading. I've heard plenty about how some students don't develop close connections with people, pre-med/pre-businness students generate the competitive rumors on their own, but I just want to know if you don't always need to be putting schoolwork first. Also, a few attractive girls couldn't hurt to have around as you'd expect with UCLA perhaps. I'd rather not have anyone comment on how this isn't the right way to look at it; a simple 'Cal is not the place for you' will suffice. If there's anyone out there who has experience with ECs and advice they could give in that department I'd be much obliged. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>P.S. For the record I'm initially from SoCal but I live in New York right now. I also know that UCLA won't be a walk in the park either and if you have any information on the comparisons between the two that would be appreciated as well.</p>
<p>First thing I am going to say, DO NOT pick UCLA over UCB purely because you think UCLA will be easier and more relaxed. This is a huge misconception which people assume is true because UCLA is more involved in sports, athletics, is considered more “glamorous”, and possibly because the racial distribution of students is different at UCLA. The academic rigor at Berkeley and UCLA is very, very similar. Someone who is average at Berkeley will NOT be a top of the class student at UCLA, nor is this true the other way around.</p>
<p>Overall, you create your own social life, at either school. I go to Cal and can say that, if you put no effort into it, you won’t have a social life, but if you join a club, go out to events, and put an effort into meeting new people, you can have a great social life and academic life.</p>
<p>I second the user above. All the horror stories about Cal are for the most part unfounded. Being schools from the same tier, UCLA and Cal are very similar in terms of difficulty. You will have plenty of time for social activities and hanging out with friends (unless you’re doing something crazy like triple majoring). I don’t know where around here you’re going to go snowboarding or surfing, but along the same lines if you stay ahead of your work there are many chances to go out and adventure in the surrounding area. I would base your decision based upon which area and environment you like better rather than the workload. Hell, I’m the laziest person you could ever meet and I’m still doing pretty well at Cal!</p>
<p>Yes, many students suffer from poor time management which decreases the free time they have. I used to do youtube surfing in the middle of work quite a bit, but when i switched to using books instead of my computer to study, I do a lot better.</p>