<p>I know Berkeley has a slight edge in the "prestige" factor, but is this edge well-earned? Is there a significant difference in the quality of instruction and opportunities for research at these two institutions, particularly in the pure math department? Is there much difference in the level/ability of your peers? Would a degree from Berkeley (as opposed to UCLA) help alot in grad school admissions? I ask this because UCLA would be more convenient for me location-wise, but Berkeley is worth the loss of this convenience if its academics are better. This is for undergraduate. Thanks.</p>
<p>I don't think they're too different in those respects, but Berkeley is particularly strong in math. You'd get a great education at either, and they're both extremely prestigious universities. It comes down to fit.</p>