<p>I'm currently a freshman at UC Berkeley and I want to transfer to Michigan for sophomore year. I am unhappy here at Berkeley for my own personal reasons (mainly fit). I firmly believe Michigan would be a much better fit for me and my major (Psychology). I applied to Michigan regular decision last year but I was deferred then wait-listed, and I got the rejection email in the summer. I'm applying to LSA. I have completed one semester so far at Berkeley. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>If you’re not a fit at Cal, why do you think Michigan would be a better fit? The schools are fairly similar in reputation - size, student population, political leanings.</p>
<p>I dunno, I feel like Cal and Michigan are pretty different. Michigan (at least to me) seems less hardcore academically-focused, more laid back, bigger emphasis on sports, less weird people, and people in the Midwest are way nicer. But size-wise and political leanings, yeah, they’re very similar.</p>
<p>Although Cal and Michigan have much in common, they are not alike in many ways.</p>
<p>For starters, Cal and Michigan have substantially different student bodies:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Socioeconomics: Michigan students tend to come from wealthy backgrounds. Over 30% of Cal undergrads qualify for pell grants, compared to fewer than 10% at Michigan</p></li>
<li><p>Race: Racially, Michigan’s student body is a pretty good reflection of the US population; 68% white, 12% Asian, 5% African American, 5% Hispanic American. Cal’s student body is more indicative of California’s demographic makeup; 30% white, 40% Asian, 12% Hispanic American and 3% African American. </p></li>
<li><p>Geographic makup: Both have large international student communities (6%-7%), but Michigan’s OOS population is significantly lager. At Cal, fewer than 20% of undergrads come from OOS while at Michigan, close to 40% come from OOS.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Beyond the demographic, there are several other differences:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Ann Arbor is a more pleasant city than Berkeley. </p></li>
<li><p>Michigan has more school spirit and a richer athletic tradition</p></li>
<li><p>Michigan’s alumni network is more active and loyal</p></li>
<li><p>As thealbatross pointed out, Cal seems to have a large percentage of “weird” students. This is a recurring theme I have heard from multiple students I have known at Cal</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Race: Racially, Michigan’s student body is a pretty good reflection of the US population; 68% white, 12% Asian, 5% African American, 5% Hispanic American. Cal’s student body is more indicative of California’s demographic makeup; 30% white, 40% Asian, 12% Hispanic American and 3% African American. </li>
</ol>
<p>Alexandre, This is off-based. Your US estimates are a lot closer to being accurate that your CA estimates. I would check those numbers again.</p>
5 f’n turnovers, an FCS transfer QB with a wet noodle arm, an apathetic/no emotion/stubborn coach and a pant-suit wearing, Title IX developed AD from Wake Forest doesn’t help build Cal’s athletic tradition/spirit.</p>
<p><em>/rant… This Cal weirdo steps down from soapbox</em></p>