Hello everyone!
I have recently been admitted to UCB for L&S and applied as a biology major. I was hoping to visit them, but due to COVID, I will not be able to. I have a few worries that apply to both and some that apply to one.
Berkeley:
Pros- the $1000 research stipend, guaranteed housing, priority enrollment, twin brother also admitted. I also really loved talking to the Berkeley students at the Regents Interview and they seemed so motivated/ passionate/ willing to help. I am also passionate about politics, and Berk has a rich history- free speech movement, civil rights.
Cons- quarter system instead of semester, I hear its hypercompetitive (especially for pre-med/ biology), people talk of being “unhappy”, gloomy weather (I think still nice though, but I’m from SoCal w/ too high expectations). Does Cal have “quotas” for distributing grades or is that a myth?
UCLA
Pros- much closer to home, more general sentiments of “the work is difficult, but the atmosphere is more positive than UCB,” very familiar sunny SoCal weather. Many of my high school peers are choosing UCLA over Berkeley.
Cons- still quarter system, hypercompetitive (especially for premed)
Any insight would be so, so appreciated! Thank you for reading