<p>I just got my packet in the mail yesterday from Cal saying I got into the College of Letters and Science - I just applied for the hell of it, I really wasn't expecting to get in! At UCSD I was accepted as Physiology/Neuroscience major... I don't know what I'd choose to major in at Cal. </p>
<p>Can you guys help me make a pro/con list for these two schools? To be honest, I'm sorta leaning towards SD for the overall atmosphere. I'm from the Bay Area,and I've yet to visit these two, but I plan to check out one of em next week.</p>
<p>Opinions please!</p>
<p>Cal for sure. From what I saw UCSD was boring and there was basically nothing to do there. Cal isn't exactly a party school but is super nice and has a great eclectic atmosphere. But the main reason is definitely the academics. Although UCSD is a great school I don't think it has anything on Berkeley. Trust me, you want that degree.</p>
<p>UCSD is particularly strong in Neuroscience. You've got to visit both, try to talk to students, sit in on some classes, etc. That's the only way you'll be able to make an informed decision. Both are good choices, you have to pick the one that is best for YOU.</p>
<p>I got admitted for the Neurobiology major at Cal, which may be what you would major in too if you went to Cal? Anyway, I know the DOCTORATE program at the UCSD med-school campus is consistently ranked among the top five in the nation (ranked #1 according to several sources). Although Berkeley is definitely up there too (ranked #9 for graduate program). I can't really find any information regarding the rankings of the undergrad neuro programs though, but either way you go I think you're set at Cal or UCSD.</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/364322-best-neuroscience-programs.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/364322-best-neuroscience-programs.html</a> -> this is a good link to compare the two.</p>
<p>But yeah, I personally love the Cal atmosphere - and if you're from the bay area, I would definitely go visit the school.</p>
<p>Yeah I got a flight ticket to San Diego next weekend to check out the campus - transfer day's on Saturday. And I went back and looked at my UC application, and saw that I applied to Berkeley as a Cell & Developmental Biology major. It's a completely different focus... I'll have to see what that entails. </p>
<p>Thanks for great info guys, keep it coming!</p>
<p>sd doesnt really have a social life.... the campus is really dead, esp on the weekends.... cal atmosphere feels more alive...</p>
<p>both are good schools but sd doesnt have that brand name feel like cal does</p>
<p>I get the feeling that Berkeley is a school that focuses more on the liberal arts. Since UCSD is seems to be a school almost COMPLETELY focused on the sciences, I'd say it's better for you to choose UCSD.</p>
<p>I visited the campus a couple of weeks ago and REALLY LOVED IT!! It's beautiful, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from all of the colleges except John Muir. But, as an intended English major, I'm still debating about UCSD myself lol =]</p>
<p>Best of luck to you in choosing
-Camille</p>