<p>Hi! I need advice. I am planning on majoring in sociology. If I go to UCSC, I will minor in psychology. If I go to UCB, I will try to minor in Peace and Conflict studies. I have been admitted to UCSC for fall and UCB for spring 2015. I am in conflict about which to pick.</p>
<p>UCB obviously is associated with much more prestige. It's harder to get into, there are nobel prize winners teaching there, and for decades it has been the top public university in the US. However, the more and more people I talk to, the more I question if it's the right place for me. I have been hearing that UCB is better for graduate school. For undergrad, you are basically anonymous to professors and are surrounded by super competitive people. </p>
<p>I want an educational experience where I can be engaged in class and be an active participant (not one student in a 400 person lecture), debate with peers, talk to professors during office hours, and fully grasp the opportunity that going to a 4 year university is. </p>
<p>Do you think I could get that type of experience at Berkeley? </p>
<p>It seems like that type of engaged learning would be more accessible at UCSC. There are smaller class sizes. Professors have more time for students. There is less cut-throat competition.</p>
<p>Please share with me your thoughts. Thanks!</p>