UCLA vs Berkeley (English Major)

Transfer Students
1

<p>What's up guys? I've spent the past couple weeks weighing my options of where to go, and I'm still not exactly sure. As the thread title says, I'm an English major. But I would like to establish some connections to the film industry while in college. You know: write screen plays, make student films, build relationships with people who can hook me up later, etc.</p>

<p>Here's what I figure:</p>

<p>Berkeley:</p>

<p>Pros:
The prestige - not known for English, but still, it's Berkeley.</p>

<p>Semester system - I'd have more time to relax and look into various interests</p>

<p>Uncle - he works for pixar and lives pretty pretty close to the campus. If I can build a relationship with him, he might be able to get me to intern for the company or help me break in (or something). The problem that I haven't talked to him since I was...12 maybe? but I want to build a relationship with him regardless of whether he can get me in or not. He's a cool guy, or at least from what I can remember. </p>

<p>Independance - I'll be far away from friends and family, so I'll mature a lot more.</p>

<p>Cons:
Semester system - If I don't like the course, I'll have to stick it out for the entire semester. I can drop courses yeah, but I don't like the idea of throwing away time and money. </p>

<p>Far from home - Not a big issue, but it'd be nice to visit when I want to.</p>

<p>Far from friends - Not a big issue; I can always make more friends. Growing apart from my current ones though...</p>

<p>UCLA:</p>

<p>Pros:
Close to home - not especially important though</p>

<p>Lots of friends transfering with me - not especially important though</p>

<p>More hot girls - Come on guys, don't act like it doesn't matter.</p>

<p>quarter system - if I don't like a course, it's over quick, and I can change my plans</p>

<p>connections to film industry - I have a better shot here....maybe</p>

<p>cons:</p>

<p>not as prestigious</p>

<p>quarter system - might be too hectic? </p>

<p>The professors aren't as quality (at least from what I hear). I've also heard that a lot of the professors at Berkeley are pretty influential people (who are possible connections).</p>

<p>Other: </p>

<p>I don't want to go to college and just study. It's college, damnit. </p>

<p>The difficulty level of both schools should be about the same.</p>

<p>Just at face value, UCLA has more going for it than Berkeley. But going to Berkeley...that says a lot, I think. And maybe my uncle could do a lot for me.</p>

<p>I talked to an alumni of both schools and she said that I can't go wrong with either school. The opportunities I'm looking for are there if I just try and search for them.</p>

<p>I haven't visited the Berkeley campus yet, so I'm not sure how I like the environment or the student body. I have visited the UCLA campus, and I do like it (well, a lot of it). It's like a city, almost. One thing I noticed though is how clique-ish everything is, which I don't like. A lot of the kids seem snoody and spoiled, but I can avoid them.</p>

<p>Berkeley, to me, represents an opportunity to strike it out on my own. I think I can grow more as a person there. I'll always have the chance to visit UCLA or Hollywood but not Berkeley. I don't know though...</p>

<p>So......</p>

<p>I'm still torn between these two schools, and I'd really appreciate all of your input.</p>

2

<p>"I haven't visited the Berkeley campus yet, so I'm not sure how I like the environment or the student body."</p>

<p>Simple, visit. Then decide.</p>

3

<p>I don't understand why you are asking CC this question? They are both great schools with great reputation and academics...you would be lucky if you get into either. This is a personal decision to make. CC has its biases, some would say Cal and some would say UCLA...I would research, visit the schools etc. etc.</p>

4

<p>It's kinda difficult. My semester ends May 26th. Statement of intent deadline is June 1st. I'll have to find a way to get up there in between that time. I can't afford a plane trip, and I don't have a car. My only forseeable option is having one of my parents drive me up there. That would be unbearable. We'd most likely get into an arguement and turn around and head back.</p>

5

<p>"I can't afford a plane trip, and I don't have a car."</p>

<p>Have you ever heard of Greyhound or Amtrak? You could go on a weekend.</p>

6

<p>I figured I could see what some alumni had to say about either school. I'd have more to take into consideration.</p>

7

<p>"Have you ever heard of Greyhound or Amtrak? You could go on a weekend."</p>

<p>Oh snap. That's genius. Why hadn't I thought of that? </p>

<p>On another note, I forgot to mention in the original post that I'm not guaranteed housing at Berkeley. I'd have to find roomates and get an apartment, which I'm not opposed to at all. It'd just be less secure.</p>

8

<p>How can you not be guaranteed housing? All fall admits are guaranteed one year of housing.</p>

9

<p>In my FAFSA, I applied for on campus housing. When I recieved some informational papers from Berkeley, it said my housing was off campus.</p>

10

<p>That means nothing, shmackaa. That wasn't actually applying for housing. Everyone's FAFSA was set to off campus for some reason.</p>

<p>The deadline to apply for housing is June 5. All transfer students are guaranteed a spot if they apply by then.</p>

11

<p>For UCLA it's June 1st...dunno about Cal</p>

12

<p>Really? Alright. You da man, g1a2b3e.</p>

13

<p>What's up guys? I've spent the past couple weeks weighing my options of where to go, and I'm still not exactly sure. As the thread title says, I'm an English major. But I would like to establish some connections to the film industry while in college. You know: write screen plays, make student films, build relationships with people who can hook me up later, etc.</p>

<p>UCLA, for sure. There is more to landing a good job than just the university that you attend. What do you think is more important to employers, your school or the work experience you've gained?</p>

14

<p>UCLA is in Westwood where all the big premiers happen....also they have a great film school</p>

15

<p>A lot of this decision has to do with how good my chances are at finding opportunities to involve myself in the film industry. UCLA is better for that stuff yes, but if I can establish a relationship with my uncle, I have a shot at interning or working for Pixar. I can still make student films while at Berkeley as well. I don't know though....</p>

16

<p>jesus man...looks like you have already made a decision...jus go to Cal...</p>

17

<p>Okay then.</p>

18

<p>Go to Berkeley. From everyone I've talked with (Professors and English Tutors), Cal has the slight edge on UCLA in terms of the English department.</p>