Reasons to choose Davis over Berkeley?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Are there any current/former Berkeley students here who wish they had attended UC Davis? Is there really a significant enough difference between the two schools to warrant bypassing a Davis Regents scholarship for Berkeley? I also heard that a lot of Berkeley students who don't get into Haas (my aspiration) transfer to UC Davis for Managerial Econ anyway... </p>

<p>It also seems like the UC Davis students I know are a lot happier, less stressed, and more enthusiastic about their school than my Berkeley friends. Is the living situation at Berkeley truly <em>that</em> bad?</p>

<p>Any input would be appreciated!</p>

2

<p>unless you are getting a full ride to davis and money is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE do not choose davis over berkeley</p>

3

<p>Money isn't of utmost importance. It's a nice perk, though.</p>

<p>Thanks for your opinion... any particular reason(s) why?</p>

4

<p>uhh, davis sucks. for a simple comparison, look at usnews rankings... #20 in the nation, top public school in the world, versus #48 overall, #14 public, tied with penn state. davis simply doesn't compare with berkeley in terms of academic prestige, reputation, quality, etc.</p>

5

<p>i would say something similar, but worded a bit nicer. On top of the academic reputation, from what I hear, Davis has no social life outside the college because its in a farming country. Berkeley has a social life outside of the campus because its right next to SF.</p>

6

<p>On the other hand, Berkeley has no viticulture and enology program. So if your idea of a good life is to chill on the farm and make good wine, Davis is the place for you. Just remember to hold your breath when you're near the cows - it smells really, REALLY bad, especially in the heat of spring and summer. My sister went to Davis for undergrad, so she knows what she's talking about.</p>

7

<p>I actually like the city of davis as well as the campus. The city has a real college town type of feel. I haven't spent a ton of time there, and I guess I could see that it could get boring after a while, but you also have sacto right there, so I think you'd find enough to do. Cal definitly has the edge in academics, but I think davis is pretty strong too, so either way you should be in good shape. My advice would be to go with your gut and live with it. YOu don't want to go to davis and hate it because you know you could be at Berkeley or vice versa.</p>

8

<p>unless you want to go into agriculture, or as previously mentioned you get a nice regents scholarship of 30k, berkeley is definitely the better choice. the only bad thing which comes to mind is the fierce competition at berkeley. davis kids are really laid back and nonagressive.</p>

9

<p>Moo and moo equals poo which is eew.</p>

<p>Choose Berkeley most definitely for the reasons listed above by all these intelligent people. =)</p>

10

<p>I think it all depends on who you ask if Davis or Berk is better. To each their own, eh?</p>

11

<p>
[quote]
uhh, davis sucks. for a simple comparison, look at usnews rankings... #20 in the nation, top public school in the world, versus #48 overall, #14 public, tied with penn state. davis simply doesn't compare with berkeley in terms of academic prestige, reputation, quality, etc.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I don't mean to argue with someone when I was soliciting opinions, but this is one of the reasons why I'm kind of concerned about Berkeley... that it's just full of ranking/GPA whores...</p>

12

<p>Im just going to give a personal annecdote. Someone I knew went to UCD. He hated it and couldnt stand the campus. He ended up dropping out and going to CC to transfer into a different UC. The reason he hated it? There was nothing to ever do there. I'd advise visting UCD if youre considering it</p>

13

<p>It really depends on what you want in terms of social life, academics, etc. UCD has some top rated programs that are almost as good as berkeley. It also has great weather compared to UCB. It just depends, consider the well-rounded experience and don't pay too much attention to USNews which gives crap ratings anyways.</p>

14

<p>"It also has great weather compared to UCB."</p>

<p>I don't agree with that. Davis gets really, really hot in the summer months and pretty cold in the winter months. I was there a couple summers ago and couldn't believe how hot it got. It was like 110 degrees at 6 in the afternoon.</p>

15

<p>yea i agree with gentlemananscholar about the weather</p>

16

<p>Oh right, I was thinking about UCSD.</p>

17

<p>I'm not familiar with california geography. But thanks for the the spurious generalization. Made my day.</p>

<p>I would have to say that using references to aggregate USNews rankings--which are biased and encourage gaming by schools--in choosing your college is even more moronic. Hopefully you'll grow as a person when you get to college, but I doubt it. Enjoy being a sheep of the media.</p>

18

<p>I go to Cal, but really enjoyed my visit to UC Davis (I've written a few posts on the matter, supportiing Davis as an excellent university).</p>

<p>Both schools have their definite perks. In my opinion, I really think it depends on your personality. Berkeley is the more obvious choice if you're just checking out the rankings and overall prestige level. But honestly, your happiness is much more important that a school's notch on the number scale. I strongly suggest visiting both, the surrounding towns are vastly different, and this will have a huge effect on your experience. </p>

<p>I'll give you a run down on my perception. Remember, I attend and very much like UC Berkeley. However, Davis was such a close second!</p>

<p>Surrounding Town:</p>

<p>Weather</p>

<p>Davis < Berkeley</p>

<p>Safety (crime, threatening scenarios)</p>

<p>Davis > Berkeley</p>

<p>Night Life (late night clubs, bars, etc)</p>

<p>Davis < Berkeley</p>

<p>Food (cheap options, diversity, good service)</p>

<p>Davis < Berkeley (only by a moderate margin, as davis has some great eats)</p>

<p>Friendliness (of community, employees, etc)</p>

<p>Davis > Berkeley (this town is adorable and people are so considerate)</p>

<p>On Campus:</p>

<p>Greek Community</p>

<p>Davis < Berkeley (cal has a more dominant greek life, but both universities offer a good mix of houses)</p>

<p>Sports</p>

<p>Davis < Berkeley (davis is moving up though, im sure)</p>

<p>Dorms</p>

<p>Davis = Berkeley</p>

<p>Clubs/Organizations</p>

<p>Davis = Berkeley</p>

<p>As for the education, I give Cal the slight edge, but not in all departments. Anyway, I'm going on and on...VISIT!</p>

<p>g'luck!</p>

<p><3,</p>

<p>Izzie Bear</p>

19

<p>I can't imagine the food in Davis could compare to what is available in Berkeley. Considering what is in Berkeley, I would be shocked if Davis could come close.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I also heard that a lot of Berkeley students who don't get into Haas (my aspiration) transfer to UC Davis for Managerial Econ anyway... </p>

<p>It also seems like the UC Davis students I know are a lot happier, less stressed, and more enthusiastic about their school than my Berkeley friends. Is the living situation at Berkeley truly <em>that</em> bad?</p>

<p>Any input would be appreciated!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>How many is a lot? Maybe some do, but a lot? Some. Some students don't get into Haas, it's true. I know someone who chose UCD over Berkeley. She liked both, but liked the atmosphere at Davis a lot more. She got lots of guff from people when she told them she picked Davis over Berkeley, but if it made her happier, then whatever.</p>

<p>Berkeley gives you fairly easy access to San Francisco, and has amazing events on campus. One of my high school teachers, a Davis Alum, said that ever person in Davis eventually feels a little trapped. It's great for some people, and I think I'd be fine there, but would, and do, much prefer Berkeley. You might feel different, but like IzzieBear, I think you should visit both, which is possible on the same day/trip.</p>

20

<p>Seen both, actually. I live in the East Bay, so I'll be visiting a lot more this month. It's gonna be a tough call... Davis's brand new dorms/dining commons are pretty enticing. As far as food goes, I hear Davis has the edge in dorm food, but obviously Cal is going to have all the great cultural food.</p>

<p>IzzieBear, where do you live? Foothill? One of the new Units? I'm surprised... I would have expected Davis to get the clear edge in housing, especially after the first year. Isn't housing in Berkeley much inferior to that in Davis (non-university housing)?</p>

<p>Thanks IzzieBear, DRab, and everyone else!</p>