UCLA vs UC Berkeley Statistics Major

College Search & Selection
1

Posted this on state forum but not getting any attention.

I have been accepted to both and want to know which one would be best to pursue a statistics degree. At UCLA, I would have to complete pre-reqs before officially starting the major.

I have visited Berkeley and like the campus, although I’m not a big fan of the surrounding area/Bay Area in general. I think I could adjust in time, though.

I haven’t visited UCLA (soon) but am from SoCal and think I would like the area better. But is it worth it to pass over Cal just for this reason? I am a pretty open-minded person and like I said, could probably adjust if I choose to go north.

Another factor would be the competitive nature of both programs. Are Berkeley’s math/stats courses ultra-competitive compared to UCLA? I wouldn’t want to be in that sort of atmosphere.

I plan on getting a Masters/PhD in a related field at another top university after four years. Would going to the more ‘prestigious’ UCB make it easier to get into a top grad program?

Any other input would be appreciated as well. I’m having a tough time deciding between these two. Thanks.

2

UCLA statistics requires a C or higher grade in each prerequisite to declare the major:
http://statistics.ucla.edu/undergraduate-program/statistics-major

UCB statistics requires a 3.2 GPA in lower division math prerequisites and at least a B- in one of two upper division statistics courses to declare the major:
http://statistics.berkeley.edu/programs/undergrad/major

3

Yes, that is exactly the kind of reason that is good to choose one college over the other for. You’re choosing an undergrad college, not a grad program - the major isn’t the most important thing. This is particularly true when comparing Berkeley and UCLA on something like statistics - any differences are likely to be negligible. So pick based on where you’d rather go and live for 4 years.

No, UCB won’t make it easier than UCLA to get into a PhD program. You can get into a good one from either school.