UC Berkeley vs USC English/Business/Undeclared

College Search & Selection
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<p>Alright, so I am absolutely torn between these two universities. As of now, I am in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in both and I am undeclared. I'm not entirely sure what I intend to major in just yet, but thus far I am very interested in English or Business.</p>

<p>Regarding business, I initially applied to USC as undeclared, so either attending Haas or Marshall would require a transfer. However, I am much more confident that I would successfully be admitted to Marshall, seeing that the academics are not as rigorous at USC when compared to Berkeley. However, Haas is ranked #3 in the nation, while Marshall is #10. Even so, if I did end up pursuing business, I'm afraid I may regret attending Berkeley if I wasn't admitted into Haas. Also, Cal has a much stronger English program than USC, being a plus for them.</p>

<p>I'm not much of a partier, however I do intend to enjoy myself and make as many friends as possible in college. I have toured both universities twice and people at USC seem generally much happier, more attractive (shallow I know), and the overall spirit of the campus is more welcoming. However, there were many nice people at Berkeley too when I visited and I don't necessarily mind the crazy political activism, but I'm just not sure if I would enjoy the people at Berkeley to the extent that I would at USC. (I don't consider myself a stereotype, but if I had to, I'm sort of a cross between preppy/indie/trendy). Plus, even though Cal has decent school spirit, the Trojans are insurmountable, and I definitely want to attend a university with strong school spirit.</p>

<p>In addition, I do like USC's campus somewhat more than Berkeley's. Even so, I love the diverse/crazy atmosphere of the surrounding neighborhood at Berkeley and I have always desired a college town as part of my college experience. However, I know a lot of people at USC who are content with staying on campus and never run out of things to do.</p>

<p>I also understand that the Trojan Network is a great way to to begin a career in SoCal, but would it be that much more effective than the prestige that accompanies a degree from Berkeley? Also, I intend to go to graduate school, and could easily end up on the East Coast doing so. So, would Berkeley's prestige be superior to the Trojan Network in this respect?</p>

<p>Also, I was wondering, just how cutthroat and competitive is Berkeley? While I visited Berkeley, the students stated that you do spend a lot of time hitting the books, but you manage to find free time. I want to enjoy my college experience, but if I desire to be a strong contender for Haas or have a good overall GPA at Berkeley, will I really have spend almost all of my time studying?</p>

<p>With regards to my financial situation, I am not eligible for financial aid, nor do I expect to receive scholarship money from either school. However, money is not a major factor at all in my case and I will be able to financially handle either university.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any and all advice!</p>

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<p>Berkeley is cheaper for you then, correct? If you’re indifferent, I would save the money and go to Cal…use the money for an MBA or save for a downpayment on a house.</p>

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This was my experience, too. Hard work and study but plenty of free time to have fun.</p>

<p>You’re right about your other observations. USC students do have a lot of school pride while Cal students seem more apathetic in the pride/spirit department. However, Berkeley is much more of a student-oriented college town than L.A. You also have all of San Francisco Bay Area and both area airports accessible via BART. At USC, if you want to venture off-campus, you’ll need a car, or a friend with a car…although they are currently building a light rail line nearby.</p>

<p>Majority of Cal students get into Haas. Just make sure you follow the prerequisites closely. Berkeley’s economics is not a bad back-up either…and if going for an MBA later, I personally think econ is the better undergrad degree. All of Berkeley’s departments are top-notch…English, Haas, econ…you can’t go wrong. I’m biased, but I think they are more prestigious than USC’s offerings.</p>

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<p>“At USC, if you want to venture off-campus, you’ll need a car, or a friend with a car…”</p>

<p>and a bulletproof vest if you dare do it by foot. Just kidding, sort of. ;-)</p>

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<p>Regarding grad school, the Berkeley name will not help you (nor hurt you). Grads schools will user very vague definitions of “prestige” at best and hopeful USC students may have an advantage through a higher GPA from less competition.</p>

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<p>USC is not in the same class overall as Cal is. Go to Cal</p>

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<p>Absolutely not. The so-called, Trojan Network is extremely overrated. At least, in relation to world renown schools such as Berkeley, Caltech, and most especially, Stanford. Look how USC compares to those 3 best Cali universities.</p>

<p>School Name - CAREER MEDIAN PAY</p>

<p>Stanford University $70,400 $129,000</p>

<p>California Institute of Technology $75,500 $123,000</p>

<p>University of California, Berkeley - $112,000</p>

<p>University of Southern California - $99,600</p>

<p>[Best</a> Schools in California By Salary Potential](<a href=“2023 College Rankings by Salary Potential | Payscale”>2023 College Rankings by Salary Potential | Payscale)</p>