The Big Question: Berkeley Vs Ucla

College Search & Selection
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<p>Got rejected from Columbia and Princeton today, Columbia for which, I totally cried. After visiting last week, I completely fell in love. Maybe it was more of a crush that I'll learn to get over? Hopefully. Ugh, but NYC was amazing. I totally thought that if I ever went, I'd never come back. </p>

<p>Anyway, I've basically narrowed down the choices to:
Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and NYU. </p>

<p>The last two are less likely because of the large price difference. I am getting a fourth of the tuition at USC, but I don't qualify for financial aid, so the price is still quite steep. </p>

<p>That leaves UCB and UCLA. I'm definitely leaning toward the latter, I suppose... truthfully, it might just be because I have a stereotypical view of Berkeley. On one side uber environmentalist tree-hugger, and on the other, bleary eyed asian kids living in a never-ceasing all nighter. Plus, I live less than an hour away from Berkeley, and my parents, love the idea that I could live at home. No thanks. </p>

<p>As for UCLA, I know it may not be as academically prestigious as Berkeley, but I feel that I may be more comfortable in the environment over there. And let's be honest here. I'd like to finally leave home and get some real experience on my own. </p>

<p>I'd really like to see your input on the two colleges, so that I could set up a strong compare and contrast of the two. Especially from people who are actually attending, or have graduated from either of the schools. And although I'm definitely a bit biased toward LA, I'm willing to be convinced otherwise.</p>

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<p>I agree with LA -- your reasons.</p>

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<p>if you wanted to be in new york, but cant- be in LA!! im really wishing i had applied to UCLA just because i decided i want to live in LA...like last week.</p>

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<p>Threads about choosing a college after being admitted belong in the College Search & Selection forum, not in the College Admissions Forum, naturally. Good luck at finding advice for making a suitable decision.</p>

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<p>Since you obviously want to go to UCLA, go to UCLA.</p>

<p>As far as NYC goes, NYC isn't going anywhere. And some places are nicer to visit than live.</p>

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<p>Oh, I'm sorry. Thanks for moving the thread for me. :]</p>

<p>How about the academic situations between the two?
I'm always hearing 'horror' stories about Berkeley and how tough it is there? But at the same time, UCLA can't be that far off right?</p>

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<p>The horror stories from Berkeley are mainly from people who show up thinking they are pre-med, take Chem 1A, and get the first C they ever got in their lives.</p>

<p>Berkeley is probably better academically, it has a better student body, probably, but the difference isn't so great between Berkeley and UCLA. If you really prefer UCLA, just go to UCLA.</p>

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<p>And what makes it even more difficult, is that I'm still not exactly quite sure what I want to do. Right now I'm tentatively set at Neuroscience, but I'm also thinking of business. </p>

<p>Ugh. College. </p>

<p>Anyway. What about the curves and things?
The types of people there? They can't all be nerds nd things right?</p>

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<p>Berkeley's Haas Business School > UCLA's bizecon. (IF you get in).</p>

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<p>Undergrad, they're closely ranked, with Berkeley a little higher. Graduate programs, Berkeley is #1 in the world, UCLA is about #10 in the U.S.</p>

<p>Truth is, it doesn't matter! I attended UCLA and Stanford. Neither school does much for you... actually no school does much for a person. The innate qualities that qualify one for a school are the same that enable success in life.</p>

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<p>^ Listen to Dunnin...he'll ground you in reality. :)</p>

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<p>That's true. </p>

<p>I suppose I'm also afraid that the UC's will offer me more of a solely academic experience. I'd rather not be a participant of the whole academic rat race for another four years. I'd rather get some practical experience. </p>

<p>Hmm. I guess we'll see. I'll be visiting the two colleges soon. Along with USC. But augh. Still can't get over the NY.</p>