<p>Hey everybody, this is pretty long but please hear me out.
So I need to decide between attending UC Davis (College of Ag and Environ Science) and UC Berkeley (College of Natural Resources) next fall. Davis gave me a Regent Scholarship as well as another scholarship both totaling about $15,000. Berkeley gave me about $5500 and money is definitely a determining factor since my parents are divorced, mom is disabled, and older brother is going to UC Santa Barbara without any financial aid. I know the logical choice would be going to UC Davis but I want to know as much as I can about both schools before submitting my SIR. I plan to major in Environmental Science, both schools have a good reputation in it. I have a small list for each school but I would like everyone's input and opinions.</p>
<p>Berkeley: I hear Cal for undergraduate is quite competitive and cutthroat - meaning lots of stress and time studying. Some professors are disengaged i.e. don't really care that you're there plus it is hard to stand out from thousands of other students. I visited a few years ago but don't remember much aside from people with pale faces quietly walking between classes without much interaction but I will be going to Cal Day. Does prestige factor alone outweigh the cost of attending?<br>
Davis: Everyone is friendly and helpful, I'm a person who loves making lots of friends. Seems to be more laid back- more parties/fun? perhaps a little easier than Berkeley but still challenging nonetheless. I know people say it's a cow town but I've already visited and it seemed pretty nice. The most positive aspects are the Regent Scholarship which puts me in the Integrated Studies Honors Program(could anyone tell me how helpful this is?)</p>
<p>I know they are both extremely good schools but I want to get the right fit. This might not apply to some people's answers but what are the social/dating scenes like? I enjoy studying but I like to let off a little steam on the weekends, party a little, but nothing excessive. Lastly, this may seem a bit shallow, but how are the girls? I've heard good and bad things and I want to sort out truth from rumor.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!</p>
<p>People are pale at Berkeley because it’s not as sunny there as at Davis. But I think you’re right that Davis is more laid back - I attribute that more to its rural location, whereas Cal is more urban. </p>
<p>You asked the million-dollar-college-confidential question: “does prestige factor alone outweigh the cost of attending?” Lots has been written and argued on this site, and the answer is usually - “depends.” </p>
<p>But your choice is between Davis and Berkeley - two great schools. Both will offer a quality education, and prepare you well for graduate school if that’s what you decide. You can’t really lose here, so go to the one that’s easier financially on your family. Davis is an excellent choice in your field and having Regent Scholar on your resume won’t look too shabby either. </p>
<p>I can’t comment on girls. But I will say this: it’s drier and hotter in Davis. Girls will be wearing less, year-round ;)</p>
<p>^ agreed. Both are among the top for agricultural offerings. I know two people who chose Davis over Berkeley for financial reasons, and both ended up very happy with their choices.</p>
<p>My daughter has the same exact choice- Davis with Regent scholarship vs. Cal (and UCLA). Her sister goes to Cal, and loves it there, but has had to deal with registration nightmares, enormous classes, and an impacted major that was VERY hard to get into. The ISP at Davis and the other perks of RegentSch seem quite valuable, and so both I and big sister are recommending Davis. But she has a hard time passing up the more prestigious Cal or UCLA. </p>
<p>Big sister can confirm the cutthroat attitude of many students at Cal. Many times fellow students have refused help or deliberately misled to reduce competition. (I find this despicable, but the university’s grading system is partly to blame.) I have the feeling that Davis will be a bit friendlier, especially in the ISP/Regent context.</p>
<p>But it also comes down to the strengths in your department and the fit and feel of the place. Did you go to Decision Day Davis and the Regent reception?</p>
<p>*Davis gave me a Regent Scholarship as well as another scholarship both totaling about $15,000. Berkeley gave me about $5500 and money is definitely a determining factor since my parents are divorced, mom is disabled, and older brother is going to UC Santa Barbara without any financial aid. *</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>Are you instate? Do you live with your mom? How come your brother isn’t getting any aid? What is your EFC with a brother in college?</p>
<p>Is your family income under $80k? if so, how come you and bro aren’t getting Blue and Gold? </p>
<p>What is in your Davis aid pkg? </p>
<p>How would you pay the rest of the costs for either Cal or D?</p>
<p>With Regents, don’t you get priority registration at D? If so, that’s worth a LOT at a UC.</p>