<p>I could really use some personal insight. A little background information: Im originally from Michigan (Ann Arbor) but graduated from high school in Georgia. I know I may be planning ahead a bit early, but Ive been narrowing down my list of schools to transfer to after attending my year at community college. I could move back to Ann Arbor or move to a completely new place both situations are ideal because I want to get out of Georgia. And I know that UC Berkeley and UMich are very alike in terms of ranking and other areas, so its a tough decision. </p>
<p>With both schools being so similar, I chose two deal breakers: atmosphere and diversity. As a minority (African American), feeling a sense of belonging within the student body is kind of important to me. I'm familiar with Ann Arbor and I've never had any issues there, so how does UC Berkeley and the surrounding area measure up in terms of racial diversity? Also, what is the atmosphere of UC Berkeley? What is the overall campus "feel"? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance! :)</p>
<p>The Berkeley campus has a college feel and is a park-like oasis surrounded by a dense urban environment. Public transportation is great and you can get around the entire Bay Area without a car. The environment can be academically intense and kind of stressful. Looking for off-campus apartments is always a challenge. </p>
<p>Berkeley is definitely ethnically diverse…I will say though that despite the diversity a lot of ethic groups segregate and don’t really interact. On-campus housing has optional theme programs…such as housing for African Americans and Asian Americans.
[Living</a> at Cal 2013-2014, UC Berkeley Housing](<a href=“http://www.housing.berkeley.edu/livingatcal/themeprograms.html]Living”>http://www.housing.berkeley.edu/livingatcal/themeprograms.html)</p>
<p>If you can, I suggest a visit to Berkeley and the Bay Area. It really is a world-class university in a stunning natural and cosmopolitan setting.</p>
<p>ooh…another Cal vs UMich thread. </p>
<p>Grab your popcorn people, it’s going to get interesting. </p>
<p>I’ll put in my 2 cents: You’re a GA resident, you have GT that you can attend at a good price (do you qualify for HOPE)?</p>
<p>If your family is very affluent and can afford Cal or UMich, then pick the one that you like. If your family can’t pay for those schools’ high OOS costs, then this is a non-issue. You moving to another state will NOT give you instate rates. </p>
<p>Also, it’s hard to transfer into Cal without being a Calif CC transfer student. Oh, and Cal requires you to have 2 years at a CC before transferring. You can’t transfer there after one year at a CC.</p>
<p>Both are solid academically. Berkeley is much much more diverse economically compared to Michigan. Michigan is more diverse racially meaning it isn’t Asian dominated. Berkeley also has more international reputation. </p>
<p>Bottom line: visit and go for the fit or go to the cheaper one.</p>
<p>If you’re from Georgia, don’t you qualify for the Hope scholarship? If so, I’d stay in Georgia, even is you can afford it OOS.</p>
<p>Also isn’t Michigan like 60% white? If that’s so, I wouldn’t say it’s more “racially diverse” than Berkeley is.</p>
<p>"ooh…another Cal vs UMich thread. </p>
<p>Grab your popcorn people, it’s going to get interesting."</p>
<p>Berkeley vs Michigan threads are usually amiable. It’s not like we’re comparing Cal or U-M to Alabama…:-)</p>
<p>^ Lol! Roll tide ;)</p>
<p>Well, they certainly rolled all over Michigan last fall! :(</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your feedback!</p>
<p>UCBChemEGrad: thanks! That atmosphere sounds similar to Ann Arbor’s, just with way more pros. I will definitely consider taking a tour.</p>
<p>mom2collegekids: I know transferring out of state from a CC can be a sticky situation, but I wasn’t aware of the 2 years at CC thing. I can see now on the UC Berkeley website where it says that in detail. Thanks for letting me know! </p>
<p>I do qualify for HOPE, so I’m of course keeping my mind open about staying in state and going to a great school for cheap. I know the best choice would be to stay in state and save a toooon of money - it’s what I will most likely end up doing, but I really appreciate personal insight to Berkeley and UMich as they are my “dream” schools. :)</p>
<p>Alexandre: don’t remind me… :(</p>