Old question again... Cal Econ vs UCLA Biz Econ

<p>Hi all! You guys have probably seen this thread over the years, but I really hope there's a thread to help our current transfer students (and me!) to make a vital decision on their undergraduate which would probably have some difference on their future. </p>

<p>First of all, please forgive my crappy grammar and organization in the following paragraphs, I hope you all will understand what I say.</p>

<p>I was admitted to UCLA Pre-Biz Econ several days ago and waiting for Cal Econ. Hopefully I could get in there. But now's the question. If I have both schools admitted, which one shall I choose to be more beneficial on my future path and career? Both school are prestigious and both school have an excellent econ department, but which one gives better chances on employment in such a weak economy?</p>

<p>A bit of my info first.
Asian immigrant.
Got into UCLA Pre-Biz Econ, UCSD Econ, UCSB Econ and waiting for Berkeley Econ.
Live in LA county, but still need 1/2 hours to get there, so would choose living near the campus with roommate. So not much difference for both school.
Want to become a financial analyst in the future, and I aim to work on a MBA with investment concentration in the future. </p>

<p>And the question arise. Firstly, I am not really interested in accounting, and I won't be doing accounting in the future. UCLA's advantage is they more lean toward business and has a accounting minor. But whereas Berkeley don't have an accounting minor, would it be difficult for undergraduates to find jobs in the future? </p>

<p>And an important factor, internship and career opportunities. I swear I did do my research and found out that on 2006 thread people saying UCLA had more opportunities because big 4/other big firms recruit a large no. of students from here. But after that, I saw some other contrasting report and argument in the forum and other website convincing people that Berkeley is more prestigious and provides same opportunities with UCLA. Is that true? Is there any alumni who could give us some insights about the job market after graduation?</p>

<p>I would put hardness of the degree at last. Both degree has a somehow pre-major in the system. UCLA requires to hv a 3.5 gpa in 2 classes in order to really get into the major, which is hard from what I've heard. Berkeley Econ needs us to have a 3.0 gpa on a statistics class as well as other classes in the 1st semester? Again, is there any alumni to provide us how hard are to get into to the major? And also, as I aim for a MBA, I know I need to get some nice gpa in order to get in good MBA programs. I know the question us somehow silly and naive, but how hard for us to get a nice gpa in these 2 schools ? Or maybe someone will tell me to go to UCSB instead? =p</p>

<p>I know the post is a bit too long and I apologize for that. So to sum up, I want to create a list for people to see more clearly the comparison between the two. I hope I could get some corrections on these speculation and provide some useful insights for us Econ applicants!</p>

<p>Berkeley Econ:
School a bit more prestigious
Job opportunities being seized by Haas?
Easier to get into the major?</p>

<p>UCLA Biz Econ:
More job opportunities? (important)
Nicer life in LA?</p>

<p>And how about the dilemma on GPA?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading to the last line of my post! I hope I could get insights by some alumni, knowledge people, and also current applicants! Please please please share your thoughts! It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>bumpp I am wondering this too.</p>

<p>I am in the same situation as you
which one did you end up choosing?</p>

<p>Honestly, I think it just boils down to which environment is best-suited for you. I was considering both UCLA and UCB, but I rejected UCLA. The reason why I chose not to go with UCLA is because I have no interest in accounting. Job possibilities are nearly identical for a BIZECON/ or an ECON grad. Berkeley’s name is prestigious, but UCLA Biz-econ is a reputable program as well. Getting into Bizecon might be challenging, but if you’ve made it this far, I’m sure you can break into the major easily by attaining at least a 3.5 GPA in major courses. </p>

<p>Visit both campuses; talk to the people there!</p>

<p>Also, I haven’t met any ib analysts from UCLA yet. But, big 4 actively recruits from ucla. Just network and you’ll get there. Haas doesn’t “steal” jobs from econ majors, they are pretty equal standing.</p>

<p>Check out carrer sites of both UCLA and UCB. It might help with your decision.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response!
I’m really glad to hear that there’s no inequality between HAAS and econ majors.
Now, I’m leaning towards Berkeley because in the future the title itself might help me out.</p>