UCLA or UC Berkeley???

<p>These are the two schools I'm contemplating to attend. I think I have a pretty good chance of getting in, but the thing is idk which campus is best for me?</p>

<p>To all the UCLA and Cal alumnus, what is the college atmosphere like for both colleges? (I've heard UCLA is materialistic? Cal is hippyish?) What kind/type of students generally tend to fit in at each campus? I want a fun, crazy, but also educational college experience. I love socal! I feel like there's a million things I could do down there and never get bored, not to mention Beverly Hills & Hollywood not far away plus the warm socal beaches:D But i've heard Cal tends to be a more laid back crowd..? Which is my kind of thing.</p>

<p>Soooo Cal and UCLA alumus, what's the college atmosphere like & what kind of students generally go to both schools? How's the social scene at both schools & are there certain types of students who shouldn't go to one of these schools because they just wouldn't fit in? (ie mostly rich preps go to UCLA?) and are both schools diverse? Like ethnically and socially?
pleaasee!! I need some perspective & I'd appreciate your input!
Thank you:)</p>

<p>Berkeley is the more distinguished, cosmopolitan, intellectual older brother…UCLA is the flashier, more jockish, perhaps better looking, younger brother.</p>

<p>UCLA’s pretty much half white/half asian, with a few other ethnicities thrown in there. There are a lot of different kinds of people there. The fact that you said “I want a fun, crazy, but also educational college experience. I love socal! I feel like there’s a million things I could do down there and never get bored, not to mention Beverly Hills & Hollywood not far away plus the warm socal beaches” makes me think you should go to UCLA (if you have the option?)</p>

<p>And I don’t think that there’s anyone that shouldn’t go to either school. Both schools are big enough that everyone can probably fit into some group.</p>

<p>Both are outstanding schools, so you should go by fit: where do you feel more at home? Cal is a bit edgier, scruffier, more urban. For many people, that’s a good thing! The weather is cooler and it rains more. It’s more overtly political (read: very liberal) and appears more international. I think Cal is a prettier campus, facing the Bay, with lovely hills directly behind it. But it really comes down to what kind of vibe you prefer. Can’t go wrong with either.</p>

<p>Apply to each school, see where you get admitted, then decide.</p>

<p>And sometime in the near future, take the time to visit each school and see for yourself how you fit in on campus and in the surrounding area. It’s the best way to decide which school is the best fit for you. Have fun!</p>

<p>it only costs you $60 (assuming you pay full fare) and about 30 seconds to declare you intended major at both, to apply to both as compared to just one. </p>

<p>you would be better served, rather than burning CPU cycles comparing these two schools, to work on your two UC essays so that they accurately communicate who you are… your dreams, your style, the distinctive aspects that draw people to you.</p>

<p>As to atmosphere, visit both.</p>

<p>Yess, i will be applying to BOTH schools in the fall. For anyone who goes to Cal, are there many things to do on/off campus? And if I’m looking for a more diverse crowd, ethnically speaking, which is a better choice? I do like diversity.</p>

<p>^ At Cal, football is played on-campus (except for this upcoming season where home games will be at AT&T Park while Memorial Stadium undergoes renovation)…football Saturdays enliven the city of Berkeley…lots to do and see. San Francisco is a 30 minute BART ride across the Bay if you’re looking for an escape in the city. Both Oakland and SFO airports are accessible via BART as well. You don’t need a car to get around. Berkeley is a very pedestrian friendly college city. Cafes, shops, bars and restaurants located in the so-called “Gourmet Ghetto” offer cheap eats. Berkeley has more internationals and out-of-state students (30% of incoming frosh class) than other UCs.</p>

<p>Add in Cal’s academic offerings and I believe Cal’s college environment exceeds UCLA.</p>

<p>^ depends of what you mean by “environment”. You’ve identified 3 – football, good cheap eats, and access to SF. Another person might define “environment” as access to movie studios, the beach, warm weather, and adjacency to a top 5 teaching hospital.</p>

<p>UCLA is perfect.</p>

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I’ve identified five…you’re missing a pedestrian friendly student oriented college-city and higher percentage of OOS and international students. </p>

<p>Does UCLA have an international house?</p>

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<p>Could a IHOP do?</p>

<p>[Bruins</a> a IHOP (our favorite) before driving to Stanford UCLA Men’s Tennis Blog](<a href=“http://uclatennis.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/03/26/bruins-a-ihop-our-favorite-before-driving-to-stanford/]Bruins”>Bruins a IHOP (our favorite) before driving to Stanford | UCLA Men's Tennis Blog)</p>

<p>Mmmm…stuffed crepes</p>

<p>P.S. That IHOP is in Berkeley. ;)</p>

<p>Cue diversity… Here’s UCLA’s recent [Commencement for Letters & Science](<a href=“UCLA College of Letters & Science Commencement 2011 - YouTube”>UCLA College of Letters & Science Commencement 2011 - YouTube); at approximately 4:00 - 31:00, you can see students in their grad walk into Drake Stadium. Put it on full screen and take a look not only in the foreground but the middle and background, which you can do with Youtube. UCLA’s very diverse, as is Cal obviously.</p>

<p>Correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like UCLA is materialistic & people judge you on the way you look unlike Berkeley where I’ve seen students walk around in sweats and Cal sweatshirts & participate in political movements. Am I right?? Which kinda sucks cause LA seems like such a great place but students matter to me also.</p>

<p>Also, I’m an athlete. I’m not playing college bball(maybe intramural or intercollegiate), but in terms of school spirit and ESPECIALLY bball games, how do these two schools compare?</p>

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<p>Nah, the SF Bay Area has nothing to do. You just have to sit in your dorm and study all the time.</p>

<p>… except, that is, when you are out protesting?</p>

<p>^^REALLY??? oh damn that blows!! Cuz Cal seems like such a great school but nothing to do? Well damn. (And it’s only an hour from where I live.) Like UCLA is in the heart of LA and there’s like a million things to do. Ughh</p>

<p>@ SMCguy,
Why is UCLA perfect, you say?</p>

<p>Uhh … that was intended in jest.</p>

<p>(Guess folks from California are more literal than what we’re used to here on the Great Prairie.)</p>