<p>Hi I'm a transfer student that got accepted into EECS at Berkeley. I'm pondering whether or not Berkeley would be a good fit for me. I keep hearing about how tough engineering is at Berkeley and that's fine for me, but there are some things I've heard in certain threads that I would like to hear more opinions about. While everyone agrees that Engineering at Berkeley is very competitive, I have heard some people say that once you actually get into the College of Engineering, it becomes noticeably different. </p>
<p>I have gave this some thought and perhaps the first two years is more competitive due to the fact that students are fighting for the limited spots avaliable in the School of Engineering? And once people are in, they are a little more sure of their futures and thus more relaxed? Also, are the weeder classes mainly during the first two years because after getting into the School of Engineering students have usually "passed the test" so to speak?</p>
<p>I'm not sure of what to think, which is exactly why I made this thread. Responses to this thread will not decide my future, as I am pretty set on Berkeley, but any information gathered would really help me feel more comfortable in my choice. I am really curious to hear comparisons from current or past Berkeley engineers regarding their upper division and lower division experiences. Thanks.</p>
<p>"While everyone agrees that Engineering at Berkeley is very competitive, I have heard some people say that once you actually get into the College of Engineering, it becomes noticeably different."</p>
<p>Most people who major in engineering are already in the College of Engineering. So, it's not so much the competition of trying to get into COE, but the fact that lower division classes are big, impersonal, and quite frankly, boring as hell. Once you get on to your upper divs, you will learn more interesting stuff, not to mention things that are actually relevant to your major.</p>
<p>Ohh I see. So I guess the only sense of competition comes in the form of beating out the curve for a good gpa, and not in the form of getting grades to get into or stay in the engineering program?</p>
<p>If this is the case, then is it fair to say that weeder classes are not subject to lower division courses only?</p>
<p>Well many lower division courses, particularly in EECS don't have a curve, they operate on an absolute point basis, so cooperation is encouraged. Throughout all the Engineering classes I've had here, there's been no explicit competition. People want to do well, (obviously), but there're always study groups that form, and people discuss and help each other with homework and class material all the time. Upper div classes are (anecdotally, I have no experience with them myself) similar. In addition, many classes have group components and so on.</p>
<p>k_twin, thanks for your reply. It is refreshing to hear about your swell experiences with other students at Berkeley. Like I said before, the level of difficulty is not a problem for me, and now that it seems the studying atmosphere is somewhat group oriented and serene, I feel much better. Good luck in all your future classes and maybe I'll run into you next Fall!</p>