<p>So, I did a "bad" thing and submitted my SIR to both Berkeley and UCLA. I just couldn't decide on the two schools. I was thinking it'd give me more time to decide (which it has), but it really hasn't helped. </p>
<p>Of course, now I have to withdraw from one of them, which makes it even more tough.</p>
<p>My major is Communication Studies at UCLA and Mass Communication at Berkeley.</p>
<p>To be extremely honest, my head and ego say Berkeley. (i.e. The reputation of the school, etc.) But my heart is really tugging at UCLA. </p>
<p>I'm from Nor Cal. I'm getting pretty tired of this place. Southern California just feels really fresh and exciting...but I just can't let go of Berkeley's name.</p>
<p>Ok just to be more helpful, you people need stop putting too much emphasis on Cal's Prestige. Sure, it's the most prestigious of all UCs, but it's no Harvard vs No-name Shoeman Local College.</p>
<p>Personally when it comes to Cal vs UCLA the prestige is way too over-rated. Think reality. Just because you graduate from Cal doesn't mean you are gonna get a "better" job. It doesn't mean you are going to get into better graduate school than the UCLA grads. All you are gonna get out from Cal is probably slightly more "wow"s from some random average person from the street in the East Coast. And I assure you, that slightly more "wow"s will certainly not help you as much as you've hoped for.</p>
<p>I really don't think this is too much of a dilemma as your perceive it to be.</p>
<p>my mind was with berk too (And i think u remember me saying how berk was super cool) but in the end, i submitted my sir to ucla :( because i need to stay close to home temporarily and save some money.</p>
<p>dhl3: Your reply was really helpful. I personally thought both schools were pretty much on par with each other--it's just that I hear so much hype about Berkeley that makes me believe "Gee, Berkeley must be THAT much better than UCLA."</p>
<p>I think the disparity of the two schools is greatly exaggerated, which is a shame.</p>
<p>Amongst highschoolers and prestige whores, Berkeley is some bigger deal. Amongst people living in reality, its a bigger deal, but not enough that you'd "definitely" choose it over UCLA.</p>
<p>Someone made a good suggestion on here once, which was to put both names into a hat and draw one to decide where to go. If you pull "UCLA" and you're excited, then good. If pull "UCLA" and you're like "Well darn, I was kind of hoping it'd be Berkeley" than there's your answer. My opinion though is to trust your heart. We're all transfers, we all know what it's like to be somewhere that your heart isn't into. Why transfer to another place that your heart isn't into just for the name? That's not worth it for me and my happiness!
Mal :)</p>
<p>First of all, I'd follow my brain not my heart when it comes to important issues in life. Also, I don't think someone should choose a school purely based on prestige, I think you should consider which school has better program for your particular major.</p>
<p>Well, for my major, Comm Studies/Mass Comm, I've heard that UCLA has the better program. I've talked to both schools though, and they really don't know much about the other school's program. </p>
<p>It's more difficult to get into Comm Studies at UCLA; it's one of the most competitive majors at UCLA, since Los Angeles is a media hot bed.</p>
<p>In that case, it seems like a no-brainer to go to UCLA. Still, when I ask people about it--even comm and journalist instructors--they seem to be more inclined to Berkeley, even after explaining all of that. Which makes me wonder...does a college's program really make a big difference to employers?</p>
<p>Personally I would choose UCLA. I think people get too worked up in the prestige difference of UCLA vs UCB when in all actuality there isnt that MUCH difference. UCLA is reguarded as a very good university throughout the entire united states. Whichever school you pick you are going to an amazing school. If you think UCLA is a better fit for you, by all means go to UCLA. It is always nice to experience something new and that is what college is all about. From the sounds of it I think you will regret not going to UCLA. Believe me, if someone is looking at a job app they arent going to throw it out because you have a UCLA degree, they will keep it and think of you as a smart person because you have a degree from UCLA.</p>
<p>The college's programs won't make that much of a difference for employers, but it will to you. Go where you can learn what you want to learn.</p>
<p>The connections you make in college -- fellow students, faculty, guest speakers-- will be more important in the long run than the prestige of a university. Of course, a prestigious university tends to attract the best, which is why people continue to be drawn the them.</p>
<p>If you love both equally (although it doesn't seem as though you do), then go to the one that has the most people who can help you advance in your chosen field.</p>
<p>This is an old thread...but I just wanted to update and say I picked Berkeley.</p>
<p>After a few weeks of overstressing about the situation, I received a letter from the UC application system stating that I submitted my SIR to both schools and had to choose between one. </p>
<p>I visited SF and Berkeley a few more times over the summer, and I loved it. I picked Cal, and I'm really happy with my decision. Thank you for all of your advice!</p>
<p>To academic: Yes, in fact I have met students at Berkeley who submitted their SIR to more than one school. They make it seem like a big deal, but it's not.</p>
<p>Colin387: I actually agree with you; I was thinking of the possibility of being kicked out of both, and completely understanding the reasons. Taking up two spots in the University of California system is being selfish.</p>
<p>But, I'm completely guilty of doing it, and nothing happened.</p>
<p>I can't imagine why it would be a big deal, unless you do something like submit housing applications. The UC's don't have waitlists. If they did, then I would consider it unethical to violate the SIR rule, since you're closing someone else out.</p>