<p>Hey everybody! Right now I am deciding between Berkeley and UCLA. Honestly, this choice would be easy for me and I would choose Berkeley if I didn't get LA regents. But now, I dont know if regents is something worth giving up.
Here are the pros and cons of the schools:</p>
<p>UCLA con:
Location is too close to home
I dont really like the environment (not sure how to classify it)
Pros
Regents - past students told me that only about 200 out of the whole class get it, and with regents I get a bunch of perks like priority enrollment, money, etc.
I dont have to pay for anything since I get about 30000 in grants and scholarships</p>
<p>Berkeley con:
I didnt get regents so I would have to pay about 8000 a year, which I can take in loans<br>
Pros
the liberal environment of Berkeley
I like how it is farther from home
School is more competitive; I really wanted to go to UPenn but I was rejected by that school =(</p>
<p>I originally wanted to go to a school on the east coast, but I was not able to make it to any of them. That is why I want to go to Berkeley; I like how it is farther from home (I live in So Cal) and I like how the University feels like an east coast college. Also, I am a physiology major but Im not really sure which school is better in that field.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have a pretty good idea about what you want from college. </p>
<p>What specifically do you like about going to college on the east coast?
It may be that you just want to develop a bit of independence from your parents and that’s a good thing. It’s not for everyone, but become autonomous is very important to some people. Also consider how far your parents you would be living in LA. You could make an agreement with your parents about how often you would be going home.</p>
<p>Money.
8k over 4 years is about 32k. That is a large chunk of money, but it’s not so much that I would say you should definitely go to UCLA. UCLA and Berkeley are both comparable schools in terms of prestige and the job opportunities that it affords you. Also, you said that you are a physiology major. Are you premed? UCLA has a (very nice) medical school near campus that you could volunteer at. There are volunteer oppurtunities at Berkeley too, but a nearby volunteer oppurtunity may also be helpful. Finally, Berkeley does not have a specific physiology major. Have you looked into IB/MCB at Berkeley?</p>
<p>Thanks guys for the input!! I’m going to visit both schools again to see which one ultimately fits me the best. I do have a preference towards Berkeley, but I think it is solely because of its location (like what zjodak said, I want to have a sense of independence in college). I just don’t know if that’s worth 32,000. Thank you so much guys! I have a lot to think about.</p>
<p>I am put in the same situation as you as far as Berkeley goes, I wanted to go east coast, but didnt get in anywhere =/</p>
<p>Back on track, it sounds as if you like Berkeley much more. To be honest, although 8k does seem like a lot, I feel like paying that much a year is worth it for the college experience you only get once in a life time. If I were put in your shoes, I would choose Berkeley.</p>
<p>Had a very similar situation to you. got UCLA regents but not Berkeley’s, had to pay 8k more each year for Berkeley, but I still decided to come here.</p>
<p>But my reason was that I’m studying business, so it’s pretty much a no-brainer to come here over UCLA. Physiology… I don’t know much about that</p>
<p>Ok, here’s my 2 cents worth. I went to UCLA and felt overwhelmed with the size of the student body–it is equivalent to UCB, though, so there’s no discussion in that regard. By having priority registration at UCLA, I think you’ll find less frustration in getting your classes. Again, the large student body at UCB MAY cause a problem in getting your classes through regular registration. I’d also be a bit concerned about the California state budget and how it might impact the availability of classes–fewer classes may mean they’d be harder to get unless you have the priority registration. Talking about the economy, $8K/yr isn’t exactly chump change–your parents may be relieved that you’re saving them some $ and may consider buying you a car. You should also consider if you’ll be going to grad school which will cost you; the $32K will come in handy. Yes, Berkeley is farther from home, in a neat and funky area, slightly more prestigious and sounds like where you’d like to attend. I still think that you could be embodied with the whole UCLA experience and living in the dorms and making new friends will seem like you’re far away from home!! Additionally, you’re one of the select Regents chosen by UCLA. By the way, my D is in a similar situation and was selected Regents Scholar at UCD. She was also trying to decide between UCD, Cal and UCLA. It’s been a tough choice for her, but she’s decided to attend USC as a Trustee Scholar. Good luck in your decision–I’m sure you’ll be happy wherever you attend!</p>
<p>I picked Berkeley over UCLA Regents and USC Trustee for mostly academics/rankings and I don’t regret it. I don’t think I would have been unhappy at UCLA or USC, but why not just go with the best school that you got in to?</p>
<p>Thanks everybody for the responses! Right now I am leaning towards UCLA for financial reasons. Plus, although I do prefer Berkeley’s location/ environment, I’m sure that I’ll be able appreciate LA’s fast paced lifestyle. I just need to visit both schools one more time to make my final decision. Thanks again! Your advices really helped a lot!</p>