<p>Why is Berkley go by semester rather than quarters, like all the other UCs. Is there a advantage/disadvantage for each?</p>
<p>Berkeley isn't the only UC on semester -- so is Merced. Other UCs used to be on semester and changed over to the quarter system. My mom told me UCLA changed from semester to quarter in the early '70's. She said the quarter system sucked; she still thinks it sucks. I heard that Berkeley did change over to the quarter system at one point, then changed back to the semester system.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure that up in Oregon, they are also on the quarter (trimester, I think they call it) system, so it isn't unique just for the UCs.</p>
<p>I heard that students on the quarter system have more breaks than students on semester.... Is that true?</p>
<p>I'd heard that Berkeley decided against the quarter system to cut down on administrative costs. I dunno how true that is, though.</p>
<p>What kyledavid80 said may be true. The question of why is somewhat hard to determine and ultimately not very relevant. I think the more pertinent question is, what is the difference between the two, and how does that affect you? I'm sure you can find plenty of topics on this subject but just a brief overview (might vary depending on the school):</p>
<p>Quarter: the school year is divided into 4 quarters which includes the summer quarter. The first quarter goes from September until December, then winter break. The second quarter goes from January until March, then spring break. The third quarter goes from March until June, and then it's summer. You get to take more classes but midterms and finals are also more frequent. You typically start school a month later and end a month later.</p>
<p>Semester: The first semester goes from August until December, then winter break. The second semester goes from January until May, with spring break in-between. You don't take as many classes and they are streched out more, but you might take more (semester) units in one semester than someone else taking (quarter) units in one quarter. You typically start and end a month earlier.</p>
<p>I Love Semester Systems =)</p>
<p>semester is way cooler: i only had 1 midterm last semester...whole 2 weeks with nothing to do but meet people!!! semester rules.</p>
<p>I prefer quarter. Can take more classes, etc. 'cause I'm nerdy like that.</p>
<p>Well, if you really like that shoddy system, there's a junior college across the bay that uses it. ;)</p>
<p>There is also more material on a cumulative final in the semester system.</p>
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There is also more material on a cumulative final in the semester system.
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<p>You go to school in order to learn. Not just to get through finals easily.</p>
<p>^^^amen ducky</p>
<p>Speak for yourselves.</p>
<p>From talking to a lot of people, I would say most students prefer the quarter system. Semester system is 15 weeks long, while quarter system is only 10. Some people say that they prefer the quarter system because if they are taking a class that they don't necessarily like too much, they are over with it in just 10 weeks, so it's not that bad. Plus, with the quarter system, you get to take more classes, so you can sort of play around and take some classes that actually interest you.</p>
<p>i see .</p>
<p>Semester you get a longer Holiday Break and get out of school in May.</p>