<p>How exciting--my first post! I am considering attending either UC Davis or UC Berkeley this fall. I know that Cal is ranked #1 among public universities in the US, but I don't want to go to a college just because of its rank. When I went to Davis for a couple days, I absolutely loved the campus. I liked the college town feel and the friendly atmosphere. Also, Davis is the only UC with a design program, and I am interested in exploring a career in graphic design. I liked Cal a lot, but I prefer the relaxed country lifestyle at Davis. So, what are your opinions of both campuses? Any first-hand experiences at Davis that would help me finalize my decision? And does anyone know any specifics about the design program? Only 4 days until the SIR is due!</p>
<p>Go to Cal.</p>
<p>Well, there are reasons why Cal is ranked #1 and Davis is much lower. The student body quality of Davis is much lower than that of Cal.</p>
<p>Go to Cal. There shouldn't even really be much of a choice here.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the design program, but I loved Davis. It is more of a small town feel. When I was there you didn't really worry much about the outside world, as the city of Davis and the University insulated you from the outside a bit. It made it easier for me to concentrate on my studies. If you wanted to get away, both the city of San Francisco and the snow of Tahoe were two hours away. My husband went to Berkeley, and he liked the urban atmosphere. He thrived on the distractions of living in a city environment. So it depends on the atmosphere you like. I was at home at Davis. He was at home in Berkeley. (And my 17 year old is alreay at home at UCLA, where she will be going next year.) As someone else said, you just need to find your people.</p>
<p>I'm having the exact same dilemna- except I'm also considering CMC. I'm drawn to UCDavis for their animal sciences and the fact that everyone there is so friendly n relaxed. At the end of the day, isnt it just how well you do in a university (no matter how pretigious or not)- that counts? Isnt it better to get 3.8 GPA in Davis vs. a 3.2 in UCB?</p>
<p>College does matter for many grad schools. If I were going for Animal Science Davis is a good choice. If you are pretty certain you want to be a graphic designer, OK again. But if you may want to go into business or go to law school, Berkeley gives you many more opportunities. Different jobs are available to Cal grads than Davis grads.</p>
<p>The fact that you got into Berkeley tells me you worked very hard in high school, doing what you were supposed to do when you were supposed to do it. Now is the time to follow your heart. Nowhere in your post do you say anything YOU love about Cal (referring only to rank) so choose the place you feel best about. You played the game and got into good schools-choose the place you like and go have fun! Cream rises and a good student can be successful wherever he/she goes. BTW, I don't think Berkeley even has a graphic design major! Good Luck!</p>
<p>IMO you should definitely go with Cali...</p>
<p>It sounds like you've thought this out and Davis is a better "fit," especially since it has the design program and Cal does not.</p>
<p>I agree with you regarding the relaxed country feel at Davis! It is a wonderful college town. Berkeley has its own charm (my son is a freshman there) but it never "hit" me the way that Davis did.</p>
<p>I would go with your heart, especially if rank/prestige isn't that important to you.</p>
<p>Best to you!</p>
<p>Life is about options-and what you want to do with them. There is no right or wrong answer. With that being said-CONGRATULATIONS on getting both UCB and UCD....now, take a moment...close your eyes...where do you see yourself? ...thats the one you should consider choosing.</p>
<p>There seems to be no doubt that you should be go to Davis. You clearly like it more. Many people here who are obsessed with prestige make it seem like choosing Davis over Cal is unthinkable, but it's really not. I have a friend who was accepted into Cal's EECS, which "ranks" as one of the highest in the nation, but chose to go to Davis.</p>
<p>^^ agreed. Although Berkeley obviously has the edge over Davis, for you Davis seems the better choice since you like it so much.</p>
<p>DO a lot of people apply for Davis Animal Majors? I was wondering if it would be hard for me to get in to Davis by choosing this major.</p>