<p>Was it a hard choice to make or did you know Cal was the one for you?</p>
<p>I applied to the top UCs and was accepted to all. I chose Berkeley because of low in-state costs, along with the prestige of Haas and several alumni I’d known. I have no regrets, but I plan to live in SoCal for a long, long time.</p>
<p>Looks like you were the only one who chose Cal, haha. That’s great! From what I’ve seen through visits, Berkeley’s such a beautiful place. I even heard Monster’s University based their campus on Cal!</p>
<p>I’ll contribute 
Berkeley has amazing professors and top programs in all fields. Furthermore, I thought that I’d have many opportunities available to me-- in terms of research and internships/jobs. I also wanted to get away from the stuffy East.</p>
<p>Digging the name. 
What do you think of the overall feel of Berkeley? Like the campus, the people, the teachers, etc.</p>
<p>I would definitely say different strokes for different folks. Our S looked at all the schools he got into and which he visited. We actually live semi close to Berkeley. I would definitely say that Cal isn’t for everyone. I also varies widely based on your major. It is in an urban area, not really a college town type setting. It’s very competitive that is for sure. My brother in law graduated from there 1 year ago too. It’s definitely depends on what type of person you are. I originally did not want S to go there. I prefer small classes etc. But he really wanted to go and its ultimately his choice. It was the only UC he applied too and the only one he got into. Waiting lists at other schools did not pan out.</p>
<p>Didn’t get into UCLA ;)</p>
<p>Me neither!^ 
</p>
<p>And it was quite an easy decision to make. What could possibly be better than perfect weather, a gorgeous campus, a plethora of things to do, SF, and a breathtaking view of The Bay?</p>
<p>Just had to comment on the “perfect weather”; if you’re from somewhere like Seattle, I guess the weather would be perfect! It’s 80 one day and raining the next here!</p>
<p>I love the school (great professors, great opportunities, it is competitive but the other students still help each other out), the town, however, is very urban and is definitely not my cup of tea.</p>
<p>Well, I tend towards cooler weather cause SoCal is just way too hot. It was about 105 last week! =(</p>
<p>A grad student’s answer:</p>
<p>I knew Cal was it. The folks I met in my research group were the (not “among the”, “the”) smartest and kindest people I’d ever met, my then-idol now-advisor has shared 2 Nobel Peace Prizes, and the campus is. just. heaven. I was a bit nervous about the UC’s funding situation-- when I was deciding, the media hype surrounding California’s floundering economy was at its height-- but I decided to take a chance. Turns out, Cal’s funding is only growing, and the academic quality of its programs is increasing (if that’s possible).</p>
<p>bcuz I’m a str8 up g</p>
<p>haha that’s so funny-- I got into all the UC’s I applied to, including UCLA-- but I definitely chose UC Berkeley over UCLA! It was a no brainer to me.</p>
<p>because golden bears yolo!!! lolololol!!!</p>
<p>Everything that Jesskidding said, as well as the in-state tuition and Haas : ).</p>