<p>Hi, I am a high school female from San Diego County who was recently accepted to both Berkeley (Psychology major) and UCLA (pre-psychology major). Problem is, I am having THE hardest time deciding where to go, and I need to decide by this Saturday. There are definite pros and cons to both schools. As far as Berkeley, I love the Bay Area and the overall prestige that the University offers, but the homelessness in Berkeley is very sad. Plus, I feel somewhat unsafe when walking around Berkeley. And as far as UCLA, I like the quality of Westwood as a neighborhood, plus I hear the Psychology program at UCLA is very strong. However, Berkeley has always been my dream school, so I feel kind of obligated to go there. And also, it seems as though Berkeley is much more lively for a college student,.</p>
<p>Anyone have any adivce???? I am pretty set on the major of psychology, so does anyone know how the two programs compare? Opinions on the social life at either college? Anything would really help, thanks so much!</p>
<p>Psychology is the most popular major at UCLA, but it isn’t even top 5 at Cal. Do you want more peers or less peers?</p>
<p>Why are you so set on Psychology?</p>
<p>I don’t really mind about the size of the class, but I am interested in what each program offers and what opportunities will be available to me.
And I’m set on psychology because I am planning on becoming a Psychologist with a child/adolescent specialty, and so majoring in Psychology seems like the obvious choice, haha.</p>
<p>I don’t really think that the homeless problem is huge issue and I come from an isolate small town. But I LOVE san francisco, mainly because u DO see all of the black people selling drugs typa thing! I saw a guy selling drugs right in front of my eyes like 2 years ago when I came back from shopping, and that’s something I’ve only seen on the movie screen. I think it’s kinda kool in a way : ] and I’ve never gotten buzzed or smoked lol so that’s where I’m coming from. </p>
<p>The homeless people in Berkeley didn’t really bother me when I was there in the sense that they basically just sit there and say things. They wont harm you most likely. I’m scared about going their alone for CalSO, but I’m still deciding on that. If you’re alone at night, then be worried. Otherwise, it’s a pretty nice area. Go with friends when you are out at night, or be in your dorm by like ten or eleven. Or at least I would be just to be safe. It just seems like the homelessness is the “culture” of the city over there. </p>
<p>I’ve heard westwood is pretty and nice and all that but I’ve never been there. Although I’m going to Berkeley and I think you should too! Don’t let the slums image stop you because it’s actually really nice! It’s kinda like a mini union square/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo if you have been there.</p>
<p>It’s actually not that the homeless people bother me, but that I feel badly for them. It’s just said to see I guess. But the culture of San Francisco is definitely amazing.</p>
<p>Why do you want to be a psychologist then</p>
<p>I had the same problem as you last year and honestly, I still don’t know if I made the right choice. I don’t regret choosing Berkeley though because it was basically a toss up for me in the end. I think it really comes down to personal preference. In terms of prestige, if you plan to stay in the U.S. for grad school/work, I don’t think going to UCLA instead of Berkeley will hurt you very much (maybe when 2 applicants are equal in every other aspect, then the UCB kid may have the edge). </p>
<p>Berkeley is definitely an acquired taste. Some may think its really dirty and gross. The homeless don’t really bother you and its pretty safe during the day. Just make sure you’re always walking with someone when going out at night (there’s also BearWalk and shuttle services offered at night to take people home). Berkeley has a very lively frat row with supposedly easier access than UCLA’s (though I don’t know this firsthand). It’s very close to San Francisco which I’m sure you will love exploring when you get here. I think doing well at Berkeley, despite the psychology program not being ranked as high, will not hurt you when applying for grad school.</p>
<p>UCLA has beautiful weather, beaches and buildings. Overall it looks and feels more modern. I’ve heard that it is a lot more laid back than Berkeley in terms of academics, people, etc, but you’ll find a big mix of personalities at both schools. UCLA does have the top psychology program for a reason and although I don’t know much about it, you should check the website/try to get in contact with students there. And you definitely get the occasional celebrity sighting, not to mention great shopping and lively downtown area. I definitely felt safer walking around, but just be smart about it and you’ll be ok at either school. Contrary to popular belief, having a car is not totally necessary, though it helps!</p>
<p>These are just my general opinions and observations. UCB and UCLA are two very distinct cultures. If you are proactive and take advantage of the resources you have at either school, you will have a good experience. I would say just visit and go with whichever one feels like home and where you think you see yourself living for the next 4 years. If you’re not happy there, then it won’t really matter how prestigious a program is.</p>
<p>I am the parent of a UCLA junior, so I thought I could give you a current student’s perspective. I also live in the Bay Area, so I know both areas pretty well.</p>
<p>I would say that if you plan to be a psychologist, it is best to go to the top undergraduate program you can find; I believe that is UCB. The reason is you need to be well trained and have contacts in order to gain admission to a top grad schoo. In California, Psychologists must have a PHD or PSYD in order to practice under the state system.</p>
<p>Berkeley is a wonderful place to go to school and coincidentally, a great place to hone your counseling psychology skills. There will be challenges anywhere, but I would not let fear rule your decision making process. Use it as a tool to learn more about yourself and put yourself in situations that help you conquer it, where appropriate. As a psychologist, you will face potentially dangerous and crisis type situations; you will need to have some sense of peace with all kinds of different people, as well as good boundaries to keep yourself safe and happy.
Can you tell I am a psychotherapist? UCB is the better school of the two…by far…in your field of interest.
Best of luck and let me know if you want more ‘thoughts’ on UCLA</p>
<p>If you’re having trouble deciding at this point, you should stop with the pro/con lists and make your decision on something solid: academic rankings. Go with Berkeley 
And the homeless people will have no effect on your experience here at all. And they seem/act happier and less stressed than college students for the most part lol.</p>
<p>
Not by far. There are a number of different studies that have placed both programs at different rankings but I will use USNWR just for the sake of convenience and recognition.</p>
<p>Psychology (General)
Berkeley: Rank 1
UCLA: Rank 3
[Rankings</a> - Psychology - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-psychology-schools/rankings]Rankings”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-psychology-schools/rankings)</p>
<p>Clinical Psychology
UCLA: Rank 1
Berkeley: Rank 4
[Rankings</a> - Clinical Psychology - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-clinical-psychology-schools/rankings]Rankings”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-clinical-psychology-schools/rankings)</p>
<p>Specialties:
Behaviorial Neuroscience
UCLA: Rank 1
Berkeley: Rank 4</p>
<p>Cognitive Psychology
Berkeley & UCLA: Rank 9</p>
<p>Development Psychology:
Berkeley: Rank 4
UCLA: Rank 10</p>
<p>Experiment Psychology:
UCLA: Rank 1
Berkeley: Rank 5</p>
<p>Social Psychology:
UCLA: Rank 6
Berkeley: Rank 8</p>
<p>The competition between the two universities is pretty stiff in this field of study; which is admittedly uncommon because Berkeley usually has a clear lead.</p>