<p>I'm planning on applying to the UCs. I won't have the chance to visit before I apply, so I need help identifying which ones may suit my interests more.</p>
<p>I know Berkeley is particularly strong in economics. Which of the others are strong in economics, studio art, history of art, english? </p>
<p>Which ones have good study abroad programmes?</p>
<p>In terms of social life, which are the schools with big party/greek scenes? (I'd like to avoid it if its TOO dominant on social life) What are your impressions of students there?</p>
<p>many thanks.</p>
<p>The schools are pretty selective, so the choice isn’t entirely yours. Unless you have unbelievable stats and a compelling story, it would probably serve you to apply to several. Depending on your stats, perhaps even more broadly than that. It depends on the program a bit but, rough ranking is UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCD, UCSB, UCI, UCSC, UCR, UCM. All the schools have ‘scenes’ that will keep you entertained while you are there. </p>
<p>@ncalrent I’m not really considering any sort of ranking to base my decision on. I’m trying to find out which would fit my needs best. </p>
<p>For economics, are you looking at it from a pre-PhD standpoint or a pre-professional standpoint?</p>
<p>If pre-PhD, look for good math and statistics offerings, and preferably intermediate economics courses using more math (which Berkeley offers, though it also offers less-math versions) and mathematical economics electives.</p>