<p>I purchased the Fiske's College Guide Book 2006, and while I was reading the section on Berkeley, I noticed that it said that the professors at Berkeley do not really pay much attention to the undergraduate students.</p>
<p>Is this really true?</p>
<p>On a more specific note, I am interested in engineering at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Observation of a second year student:
People won't really actively reach out to hold your hand in case you don't understand something; in my experience if you make an effort to relate with the professor and are proactive about your education (attend office hours, ask for clarification), even the most intimidating and seemingly apathetic professor is helpful.</p>
<p>In short the observation of apathetic professors is true, if you are not inclined to make an effort yourself.</p>
<p>Of course, unless you attend a smaller school or totally avoid large classes, this situation can apply to any large institution.</p>
<p>One thing about the professors at Cal is that most of them are very, very distinguised in their field, if not downright famous. This leads to many of them having rather large egos. And like most research universities, the professors at Cal will for the most part not reach out to you on a personal level. That said, no matter how mean or arrogant they seem to be, I've never had a professor that didn't beg for students to come see him or her during office hours.</p>
<p>You need to make the effort to get the professor to know you.</p>
<p>However, it is my experience that in smaller classes (<25), I find the classes to be very engaging, and it was easier to have the professor get to know me.</p>
<p>In EECS classes and basic engineering prerequisite classes, if you don't make the effort, most of your professors won't know you from a hole in the wall. But that makes it all the more rewarding when you do reach out to a professor and develop a relationship!</p>
<p>And have no fear: it is very easy to get to know your TAs, who can be a lot more helpful in answering your questions and guiding you along.</p>