I’m currently deciding between UCLA and UC Berkeley, and I am very conflicted as to which would be the best fit for me. I plan on studying within the social sciences/humanities (most likely polisci, psych, or English). The schools seem essentially identical in terms of class sizes, relationships with professors, research opportunities, etc. I know that Cal has a reputation for being incredibly rigorous (which frightens me), but with UCLA on the fast-paced quarter system, do the schools really differ all that much in terms of rigor? I hope to fill my college experience with internships and great opportunities, and I want to avoid the suffocation of an intense workload at the same time (and maintain a good gpa). Would anybody be able to provide some insight as to which school would be the best fit?
UCLA and UC Berkeley are equally academically rigorous. Go to where you think you will have the best overall experience.
I agree - both are going to be quite rigorous. And yes, the quarter system moves along at a fast pace. Their locations are fairly different. Have you visited both already? There are people who love the surrounding city of Berkeley and people who don’t, and the same is true for Westwood/Santa Monica and that area.
Have visited either or both?