<p>Let me first start off by saying there are more than a handful of threads on this topic and I have been reading through almost everything I can find on the forums and google search since my Berkley admissions. However, seeing as a college experience can only be defined per individual I wanted to see if anyone had pertinent feedback to my specific personality and background. I have visited neither campus, however, I am planning to visit ucla next week and cal within 2-3.</p>
<p>To begin here is some background information: I am essentially a pre-med, current major at Cal is Immunology (anyone want to comment on this major) and my UCLA major is MIMG. I have already asked a UCLA student about MIMG and read up a bit on it, but any info on either would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know about research and/or volunteering at either location; how difficult is it to join in early on and what are some interesting topics being researched at each place?</p>
<p>Oh and... Tuition at UCLA would cost me ~3-5k less, an prominent yet not a staple factor I would like to throw out.</p>
<p>Originally UCLA was my top choice, however, Cal, IMO, really does have the title top public school attached to it, which is always a plus for graduate application and for ego (I am human, I like to have bragging rights every now and then too... so please don't think me a jerk lol) Of course I know UCLA is still way up, but people internationally do recognize berkeley more easily.</p>
<p>Furthermore, I live within a 1 hour drive from UCLA, this makes the surrounding area fairly similar to me... I have been to disneyland, six flags, hollywood, Universal, etc. Now this is where the conflict arises, I am a very outgoing person and I would REALLY love to go clubbing often throughout my undergrad. studies, I would rather go to a dance party w/ no alcohol then go get wasted at beer bong, but I am a social drinker (LA seems to beat Cal out in this aspect for me; discussion of how clubbing as an 18+ is at either place would be appreciated). However, I really want a new place to explore where I can be fully independent, LA feels rather close to home, however, many seem to assure me that by going to LA I will feel completely independent still as long as I don't return home every weekend or something. </p>
<p>The things I care most about dorm life are essentially, nice rooms + decent dining (heard Cal loses lol) + interaction between dorm areas. (Like is there a good lounging area that people just kickback, play xbox, etc. at, or do most people at either school often just go to their dorms)</p>
<p>Another thing is of course, my hobbies. I enjoy hip hop dance, and would love to participate in things like the KASA dance off and may even consider trying out for some dance teams, who knows. But being able to go to a nice dance off session to chill and watch some people throw down their moves would be great for me. I really have little inside knowledge about either school other than having seen some routines by UCLAs teams... Well guess thats really my only main hobby for fun hahaha, but I love it so that's all that matters.</p>
<p>Another thing is that this year UCLA seemed to have been more selective, and every admittee was well qualified for their major vs. Berkeley this year was a harsh shock if you didn't get in. Schoolwide we had maybe 30 UCLA admits (3-5 regents) and 45 Berkeley admits (4-6 regents) and many of our Berkely admits seemed random (think AP class stoners with sub 2000 SAT and little to no ECs who got into 2 schools: UCSB and UCB). Last year our list of Berk and UCLA matriculates consisted of 90% valedictorians and a few all star athletes. This year its probably more like 1-2 valedictorians will go to berkeley (many are kinda ****ed that the lower end of our AP tract all got in lol) and a whole lot of average candidates. I will not lie, I am sorta upset that Berkeley was not very selective and it sorta killed down the joy of getting in(very sorry for those who got shafted by bad luck and didn't get in, it happened to one of my good friends who out scored, out GPAd, and out ECd(BY A LOT) 10-12 of the people who did get in). </p>
<p>This post is getting kind of long so I'll just summarize and end this before you guys get bored of reading if you haven't already haha.</p>
<p>Cal Pros - Prestige. Distance. New and possibly exciting environment. I'm also a moderate liberal if that makes any difference lol. More relaxing when needed? Great education</p>
<p>UCLA Pros - Nightlife. Girls (Personality is important to me, but my belief is more hot girls = more hot girls with good personalities and I like relationships just as much as hook ups). More selective this year. 3-5k less in cost. Great education</p>
<p>I know my LA pros seem shallow haha, but I do like it as a whole and tbh I would have already SIRed to it if Cal was not so competitive academically and LA was not so close. ATM, I am leaning to LA. </p>
<p>Sorry if I came off as shallow in some of my aspects, however, for four years, I would like to have the best fit for me so that means the social and academics have equal weight to me. </p>
<p>Any specific insight on any aspects pertaining to my personal wants would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!</p>
I hear that it’s pretty fun to be on. LA’s hip hop scene is awesome. There are famous studios in Hollywood, and taking a class once in a while is a really great way to get some dance practice. It’s really easy to meet dancers around here, because there are tons, and you can just session every now and then for fun. In general, I think that SoCal (especially down in Irvine area, which only takes about an hour to get to from LA) has the best dancing in the whole nation. So if you really like dancing, LA is really the place to go. I know where you’re coming from, because dancing is pretty big in my life too, and I know that it’s really important to be able to enjoy your hobby properly.</p>