UC Berkeley vs UCLA

[concernedparent]

So, I've been debating this decision endlessly. I'd like to get some outside opinions though. I'm a transfer student from another UC school, and I'm a computer science major.

UC Berkeley

Pros:
It allows me much more freedom than UCLA in my course selection. I'd be able to take all the classes I want and not be stuck taking requirements I can't stand
It is one of the absolute top ranked programs for my major. Top 3
I appreciate it's distance from home, and think it would be cool to move up to northern california
Can't help but feel like it's the more "respected" or "prestigious" or whatever of the two campusesCons:
I didn't feel totally comfortable when I went to visit. Not saying I couldn't grow to like it though...I just felt a little out of my element upon first visit
It's slightly more expensive. I'd need to take out like 7000 dollars in loans
Social life might not be as good?UCLA

Pros:
I've loved this school for a long time. For about 5 years it's been my "dream" school.
They're offering me a pretty great financial aid package. $24,000 in grants, so only $3000 to $5000 in loans
The people seem cool and well-rounded
It seems like people there study hard but have fun too
Better housing situation
Better foodCons:
It's very respected for my major (like top 15), but it's not top of the top like Berkeley is (top 3)
I'll be stuck taking a lot of classes I don't want to takeSo I guess it ultimately boils down to:
Berkeley has the top program and better academics for me, but it's more expensive and I'm not sure if the social aspect stacks up to UCLA
UCLA has the best social environment, I love the place, and it would be much cheaper (I might even graduate loan free thanks to some savings), though I wouldn't be studying exactly the stuff I want to study

Where would you go?

[Taking_Frags]

From what you've provided, UCLA. The fact you feel more comfortable at that school will provide with a better experience than UCB. UCLA is still a respected school, and you will get a good job regardless. If I remember correctly, you're aiming for a Computer Science major?

[concernedparent]

From what you've provided, UCLA. The fact you feel more comfortable at that school will provide with a better experience than UCB. UCLA is still a respected school, and you will get a good job regardless. If I remember correctly, you're aiming for a Computer Science major?

Well, I didn't hate UCB at all. I could definitely grow to love it there. Honestly, I'm thinking the financial aspect is the biggest drawing factor to UCLA right now.

[Susanna]

From what you're saying, UCLA. Personally, I like Berkeley better. I fell in love with the school the first time I stepped on campus when I was 15 years old. It's awesome. I would like to go there for grad school.

[concernedparent]

From what you're saying, UCLA. Personally, I like Berkeley better. I fell in love with the school the first time I stepped on campus when I was 15 years old. It's awesome. I would like to go there for grad school.
I mean, it was a beautiful campus too. I reckon I would be very happy at either campus. To be honest, if Berkeley was putting up the same financial aid I'd probably go there.

[concernedparent]

The plot thickens. Just found out that the financial difference between Berkeley and LA would only be a thousand or two if I'm able to live in Berkeley dorms. Arrrrrgh. This is too tough.

[saofan_315]

UC Santa Cruz should be correct choice here

But honestly, you can't go wrong with either school. They're both top of the line, both have outstanding sports teams, and are both located in some pretty interesting areas. I would tell you to go to whichever school's local environment you feel the most comfortable and accepted in. UCLA is pretty centrally located as far as music venues go, where as UC Berkley is in a city without any other parallels (maybe except for here in Santa Cruz). If you're comfortable in your surroundings, you'll do well in school.

[concernedparent]

UC Santa Cruz should be correct choice here

But honestly, you can't go wrong with either school. They're both top of the line, both have outstanding sports teams, and are both located in some pretty interesting areas. I would tell you to go to whichever school's local environment you feel the most comfortable and accepted in. UCLA is pretty centrally located as far as music venues go, where as UC Berkley is in a city without any other parallels (maybe except for here in Santa Cruz). If you're comfortable in your surroundings, you'll do well in school.
Well, it'd be nice if that was the only thing. But like I said, I've got a lot more academic freedom at Berkeley so that's a huge plus. At UCLA I'm stuck taking a bunch of classes I don't want to take. However, I did like the area around UCLA better and they're offering better financial aid....so it's like an even split, haha.

[saofan_315]

When you say classes you don't want to take, do you mean unnecessary classes or just plain classes you don't want to take? Some of the best classes I've taken in college were Gen Eds or just non major related classes. That being said, I'd choose UCLA because I grew up always wanting to go there.

[concernedparent]

When you say classes you don't want to take, do you mean unnecessary classes or just plain classes you don't want to take? Some of the best classes I've taken in college were Gen Eds or just non major related classes. That being said, I'd choose UCLA because I grew up always wanting to go there.
I mean classes I don't want to take. At UCLA I'm in the college of engineering, so I have to take all these upper division science and engineering courses in addition to my computer science major. At Berkeley, the degree is a B.A. and in the college of Letters and Science, so I have much more freedom to take whatever I want. And frankly, I'm far more interested in humanities/arts/english/etc. than I am in science/engineering.

[Nuns On A Bus]

Based off what you've said, I'd say go Berkeley. My personal preference would be UCLA though, since Berkeley is kinda a shithole (IMO of course, but I'm not a terribly big fan of the bay area)

Or you could come up to Chico State and drink 5 days a week like all the cool kids

[concernedparent]

Based off what you've said, I'd say go Berkeley. My personal preference would be UCLA though, since Berkeley is kinda a shithole (IMO of course, but I'm not a terribly big fan of the bay area)

Or you could come up to Chico State and drink 5 days a week like all the cool kids
Sadly, I didn't apply to Chico so that's not on the menu, haha.

[Nuns On A Bus]

Sadly, I didn't apply to Chico so that's not on the menu, haha.

Pssh, loser! What are you doing, actually trying to go to a school where people are going there to get an education?!?

(Seriously. There are so many people here who are clearly here just to drink and party for a few years until they fail out of college. It makes me sad. Luckily the chicks here are ridiculously hot, so it's all alright in the end.)

[concernedparent]

Pssh, loser! What are you doing, actually trying to go to a school where people are going there to get an education?!?

(Seriously. There are so many people here who are clearly here just to drink and party for a few years until they fail out of college. It makes me sad. Luckily the chicks here are ridiculously hot, so it's all alright in the end.)
Hot chicks are great. Partying is great. UCLA's got 'em. Big factors in support of UCLA, haha.

[Nuns On A Bus]

Hot chicks are great. Partying is great. UCLA's got 'em. Big factors in support of UCLA, haha.

Haha yeah, my friend who goes to UCLA seems to like it down there although he says it's really hard to get into parties unless you're in a fraternity or have boobs. He still agrees with me that the chicks are hotter up here though, so ha! :-) Also the people I know who go to Berkeley make it sound like there's a lot more of a focus on getting good grades there over partying, so if that's something you're looking for in your college experience you should keep that in mind. Then again he could just be in a boring dorm or something, who knows

It sucks though for me going to CSUC because I need to keep a 3.5 GPA to keep my scholarship, so I'm one of like 5 people at this school who actually has to work hard in class and stress about my grades, whereas everyone else gets to just drink all the time and get C's. Major bummer, but I can work hard for $3000 a year

[OveriseFan]

Sounds like UC Berkeley is the choice, if the financial difference will only end up being a couple thousand. Go to the better program for you.

[cantnokdahustle]

Berkeley. No question here. It's a top 3 vs. 15.

[concernedparent]

I wish it were that easy, but I really love the environment and overall vibe at UCLA. It's tough.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I always tell people that when you are choosing college, your academics should matter first. This can be interpreted differently to different people, but for me it's a combination of the right program plus the right environment so that you can study well there. When you are mentioning about "better academics", you'd have to look into their curriculum and course contents as well instead of determining it based on their ranks specific to the knowledge field. Some institutions who score better at the ranks may score better due to the amount of research that their staff generates, so you really have to look into their bachelor's program curricula before you decide whether it's suitable for you. I assume you have done your homework though.

In the end though, I'd recommend Berkeley more because of its higher academic advantages. Apparently most of the pros of UCLA you mentioned isn't too related to academics. The whole point of college is to be better educated, and it looks like Berkeley will give you more of that.

[A7XXX]

Both are equally respected so you wouldn't have to worry about the impact it has on your job search later too much.
If you have friends that go to either of those schools you should stay over at their place for weekend and be their shadow to see how things are like at a student at each college. I'm partial to LA just because I like Socal better than the North. Also if you can go to college without taking out too much debts, that's definitely a plus. I think it's important to consider your family too. Does it matter to you that you can go back and visit on the weekends or are you fine with being away for an extended period of time?
I know those required classes can be annoying but what about adding in some class of your choice per quarter/semester in addition to those classes?
It will be two years of your life so pick something that you're comfortable with.

[desiguerilla]

your main priority is going where you can get the best education for your dollar. from what you've mentioned, berkeley is only a thousand more than UCLA but its computer science program is top 3. ucla may have been your dream school but once you get accustomed you wont be able to imagine yourself anywhere else. i got into waitlisted at tufts, my 2nd choice but i got into uconn's combined med program. rather than pursue tufts because i loved that school for so long, i went to uconn because i pay next to nothing and the education im getting there is amazing plus i have a spot at uconn med when i accepted the uconn program

if you wanna talk about all the other things that may affect your decision ie social life and food, go to collegeprowler.com and see what grade they give each aspect your interested in AS WELL as what they have to say. UCLA may have a better campus nightlife but UCB is also right next to San Fran I believe which is pretty poppin. see which school has the better "report card" and consider that. again, academics is #1 priority.

[concernedparent]

Still terribly undecided. Here's a simplified pros and cons...any more input?


UCLA -
I like the campus better
I like the area better
Seems more fun
Great fit
I don't like the program for my major there
Stuck taking a lot of engineering type classes I don't want to take

Berkeley-
The perfect program for my major
More freedom in my course selection
Higher ranked for my major (top 3 vs. top 15)
Might be cool to move somewhere totally new
Didn't like the area as much as UCLA
Felt a little uncomfortable there, but that might be due to being so far away and on my own when I went to visit

[Smash Adams]

Are you academically-minded or do you care more about the social side, it's okay you can be honest
If academics-Berkeley, if social-UCLA

Also do you like Asian chicks, if so Berkeley, I mean I didn't say that

[concernedparent]

Are you academically-minded or do you care more about the social side, it's okay you can be honest
If academics-Berkeley, if social-UCLA

Also do you like Asian chicks, if so Berkeley, I mean I didn't say that
I care about the academics and the social side. If I knew which was more important, it'd be an easy choice, haha.

They both have an equal percentage of asian chicks from what I've seen. I'm not all that into asian chicks though, to be honest.

[samschelfhout2]

Your performance will be affected based on which environment you're in. You may feel worse at Berkeley and your academic performance will be affected, especially if it has the more competitive program. I've heard great things about Berkeley and you deserve a huge congrats for getting accepted.

What I'm understanding about UCLA is that it's been your dream school for years and they're giving you a lot of aid. If I got $24,000 in grants from my dream school, I'd enroll in less than a second, but I'm sure it's different for you. Both are amazing schools and will look great on a resume, but whichever you choose will be your home for the next 4-however many years.

Based on what's given, I'd choose UCLA, but you can't go wrong with either one.

[garggggh]

Boiling down to academics, UCLA's programs are extremely competitive and comparable to Berkeley's. Most people see Berkeley and UCLA as the same for undergraduate.

Plus, LA is way cooler than Berkeley. Plus, UCLA has better sports. PLUS, the chicks are hotter at UCLA (and this is coming from a girl).

PLUS, we have a great film department and WAC classes that you can take for interests and boosting your GPA. PLUS, our food is definitely top five in the nation. PLUS, we know how to have fun. PLUS, being in Hollywood is just great. It gives you the option of having a school environment but also being able to do crazy awesome things. PLUS, you will only be 3 hours away from Vegas. PLUS, you will only be 15 minutes away from Santa Monica beach. PLUS...this is the year we will beat USC in football again.

Yeah. I'm a Bruin. Yeah, I'm biased. UCLA class of '08 :)

As for "not taking requirements you can't stand" Berkeley has one of the worst records for class enrollment (even for upper div) because their classes are so impacted and so many people need certain classes that you'll have a hard time getting in. My friend who was double e took 6 years to graduate from Cal cause she couldn't get classes.

AND COME ON. It's LA. You'll have Diddy Riese. Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. A WAY bigger Amoeba. Free movie premieres to go to...

REALLY?! UCLA wins.

You need to realize that whatever programs colleges offer for undergraduate don't exactly prepare you for real life. You'll utilize some information but for most things, it's all about job experience and both schools are well-known enough to have great career centers and on-campus recruitment. I worked a summer for Citigroup and would have been able to get a job in the business sector had I not decided to go to law school. If you're basing "Top 3 vs. top 15" from US Weekly, they take a LOT of other irrelevant factors into their calculations of rankings. Most jobs don't care. You'll be at one of the two top UCs. That's what matters. If you were deciding between STANFORD and UCLA, that might be a harder decision, but between Cal and UCLA and the environment...you're in college to get an education yeah but also to enjoy yourself.

[caitlinlee]

If your priority is education you should be going to Berkeley. If it's social go to UCLA. What don't you like about the Berkeley area though? Just would rather be surrounded by Bel Air and Beverly Hills? haha

[garggggh]

I don't get the whole "if you're concerned about education". It's not like UCLA is ranked THAT much lower than Berkeley. And college degrees mean nothing now. Everyone has one. Seriously. It's not like we're talking Ivy League or Stanford vs. UCLA. Really. It's just Berkeley.

UCLA gives you the social PLUS a good education and a great network of alums. College is supposed to be fun because believe me, after you graduate, real life happens. Not so fun.

[cantnokdahustle]

I don't get the whole "if you're concerned about education". It's not like UCLA is ranked THAT much lower than Berkeley. And college degrees mean nothing now. Everyone has one. Seriously. It's not like we're talking Ivy League or Stanford vs. UCLA. Really. It's just Berkeley.

UCLA gives you the social PLUS a good education and a great network of alums. College is supposed to be fun because believe me, after you graduate, real life happens. Not so fun.

You aren't incorrect. Rankings change every year, though the top three are kind of "set in stone." They just don't the jockeying for position that 4 through 20 do.

Employers in a particular field hold those top three fairly sacred, and it will pay off for him to attend Berkeley (depending on his career ambitions)

I, myself, am going to do a campus visit to UCLA in two weeks to check out their Urban Education Ph.D. program. It's a top 5 in my field (up from a 10 at UT), so I guess I'll get a feel for what he means by "atmosphere."

[concernedparent]

I don't get the whole "if you're concerned about education". It's not like UCLA is ranked THAT much lower than Berkeley. And college degrees mean nothing now. Everyone has one. Seriously. It's not like we're talking Ivy League or Stanford vs. UCLA. Really. It's just Berkeley.

UCLA gives you the social PLUS a good education and a great network of alums. College is supposed to be fun because believe me, after you graduate, real life happens. Not so fun.
Well, in computer science Berkeley's usually tied or beating Stanford! So in my specific field, there is a decently large reputation gap I feel like between LA and Berkeley. But I agree that it probably won't make a huge difference. What's drawing me to Berkeley is more the content of the curriculum rather than the reputation though. Like I said, Berkeley allows me to take the classes I want to take while UCLA forces me into a lot of requirements I'd rather not take.

[Praetor]

I had a similar predicament earlier in the year. Not between those two schools exactly, but between an expensive, more prestigious school and a cheaper, less prestigious one that I felt more comfortable at. I chose the latter. Can you really justify paying $8k more a year just so you can get that name on your degree? Plus it's not like UCLA is some shitty, poorly-respected school. From what you said, I would say UCLA.

[garggggh]

Well, in computer science Berkeley's usually tied or beating Stanford! So in my specific field, there is a decently large reputation gap I feel like between LA and Berkeley. But I agree that it probably won't make a huge difference. What's drawing me to Berkeley is more the content of the curriculum rather than the reputation though. Like I said, Berkeley allows me to take the classes I want to take while UCLA forces me into a lot of requirements I'd rather not take.

I feel like I also need to state that I got into Berkeley and UCLA (for business economics) and rejected Berkeley. This is just to state that I'm not bitter because Cal didn't accept me or something. And, as for overall school rankings, Cal ranks 21, UCLA ranks 24.

Anyway, there's more to consider than "curriculum". No employer gives a shit about your curriculum because you'll be graduating from a school (regardless of what you pick) that is respectable and prestigious. What you DO need to consider is what you want to do with computer science and where in the country/California you would like to work.

UCLA places extremely well in NorCal for some reason, but it also places extremely well in SoCal. That's an extremely important consideration. I don't know about computer science specifically though, as a UCLA major because I think engineering was just more popular.

Whatever you pick, you'll have to be set 100%. No regrets. You'll never be fully happy at either place if you regret not picking the other. And since college degrees really mean jack all nowadays, make your last 2/3 college years fun and enjoyable. Seriously. You'll only get college once.

[garggggh]

You aren't incorrect. Rankings change every year, though the top three are kind of "set in stone." They just don't the jockeying for position that 4 through 20 do.

Employers in a particular field hold those top three fairly sacred, and it will pay off for him to attend Berkeley (depending on his career ambitions)

I, myself, am going to do a campus visit to UCLA in two weeks to check out their Urban Education Ph.D. program. It's a top 5 in my field (up from a 10 at UT), so I guess I'll get a feel for what he means by "atmosphere."

Top 3 are Harvard, Princeton and Yale, or Harvard, Stanford, Yale with Columbia sometimes thrown in. Like I said, if it's not Ivy, it's not a big deal. Berkeley and UCLA are the top two public schools in the country. Your employers seriously stop caring after a certain point. Both schools are super competitive and reputable.

Have fun visiting UCLA! It's a beautiful campus. I miss it. UT is a great school. I absolutely LOVE Austin, but the reason I didn't go there for law school (and chose a way less ranked GWU) is because GW places well nationally and I get the feel of being in DC whereas Austin places super well in Texas but that's about it. I want to do big law and that was a huge consideration for me.

[concernedparent]

I feel like I also need to state that I got into Berkeley and UCLA (for business economics) and rejected Berkeley. This is just to state that I'm not bitter because Cal didn't accept me or something. And, as for overall school rankings, Cal ranks 21, UCLA ranks 24.

Anyway, there's more to consider than "curriculum". No employer gives a shit about your curriculum because you'll be graduating from a school (regardless of what you pick) that is respectable and prestigious. What you DO need to consider is what you want to do with computer science and where in the country/California you would like to work.

UCLA places extremely well in NorCal for some reason, but it also places extremely well in SoCal. That's an extremely important consideration. I don't know about computer science specifically though, as a UCLA major because I think engineering was just more popular.

Whatever you pick, you'll have to be set 100%. No regrets. You'll never be fully happy at either place if you regret not picking the other. And since college degrees really mean jack all nowadays, make your last 2/3 college years fun and enjoyable. Seriously. You'll only get college once.
"
Anyway, there's more to consider than "curriculum". No employer gives a shit about your curriculum because you'll be graduating from a school (regardless of what you pick) that is respectable and prestigious."

I'm not talking about future employers...I'm saying that UCLA is going to force me to take a lot of classes I don't want to take! This is about me, not my future employer, haha.

[concernedparent]

Top 3 are Harvard, Princeton and Yale, or Harvard, Stanford, Yale with Columbia sometimes thrown in. Like I said, if it's not Ivy, it's not a big deal. Berkeley and UCLA are the top two public schools in the country. Your employers seriously stop caring after a certain point. Both schools are super competitive and reputable.

Have fun visiting UCLA! It's a beautiful campus. I miss it. UT is a great school. I absolutely LOVE Austin, but the reason I didn't go there for law school (and chose a way less ranked GWU) is because GW places well nationally and I get the feel of being in DC whereas Austin places super well in Texas but that's about it. I want to do big law and that was a huge consideration for me.
For computer science, Berkeley is more respected than Harvard, Yale, or Columbia. For my field, Berkeley is always top 5, often number 1-3.

[garggggh]

"
Anyway, there's more to consider than "curriculum". No employer gives a shit about your curriculum because you'll be graduating from a school (regardless of what you pick) that is respectable and prestigious."

I'm not talking about future employers...I'm saying that UCLA is going to force me to take a lot of classes I don't want to take! This is about me, not my future employer, haha.

Every school will force you to take classes you don't want to take. BUT, I guess if it's really THAT big of a deal, then go with Berkeley. UCLA is predominately engineering based. I have met a few comp sci majors but they were usually coupled with double e or some bio/chem field.

That said, now that I'm off to law school, college really should NOT just be about education only. I miss college, not because I missed the classes, but because I missed the fun I had, the environment, everything. After college, you're expected to be an adult, so have fun while you can.

When it comes to education, you're talking about a #1 vs. #2 in public school rankings. The difference is marginal.

[garggggh]

For computer science, Berkeley is more respected than Harvard, Yale, or Columbia. For my field, Berkeley is always top 5, often number 1-3.

Link me.

I don't know what you mean by "more respected". Are you speaking about employers or laymen? Because Ivy League always has one-up on everybody else, don't matter what "rankings" say.

[concernedparent]

Link me.

I don't know what you mean by "more respected". Are you speaking about employers or laymen? Because Ivy League always has one-up on everybody else, don't matter what "rankings" say.
Computer science rankings:

Grad school rankings that has Berkeley at #1 - http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.c om/best-graduate-schools/top-computer-science-schools/rankings

Grad school rankings that has Berkeley at #3 - http://www.greguide.com/comps.html

Some random list I found - http://www.schoolaah.com/Computer_Science.htm

"Best Schools for Computer Science majors" (Berkeley placed at number 4) - http://www.collegecrunch.org/rankings/the-20-best-schools-for-computer-science-majors-2009/

Employers realize this. Many kids turn down ivy league schools for Berkeley's computer science program.

I'm not saying this is my only criteria or that I should definitely pick Berkeley, but I just don't believe that people/employers consider Berkeley and UCLA two peas in a pod when it comes to computer science in particular.

[garggggh]

But you're NOT in grad school...

Which is what I was saying about undergrad degree meaning jack all :)

Don't even kid yourself that just because you got into Berkeley for undergrad comp sci major that that's on the same level as GRAD SCHOOL. You'll have to re-apply (and take the GREs) if you want to go to Berkeley for GRAD SCHOOL.

[concernedparent]

But you're NOT in grad school...

Which is what I was saying that undergrad degree means jack all :)

Don't even kid yourself that just because you got into Berkeley for undergrad comp sci major that that's on the same level as GRAD SCHOOL.
The fourth link was not for graduate school, and still had Berkeley at #4. I'm yet to find any ranking list for computer science that has Berkeley less than #5. They're both great programs and Berkeley's rank isn't enough to make me pick it. However, I think it's apparent that Berkeley IS considerably more respected for computer science, and that's a strong factor in Berkeley's camp. If you can find some evidence to the contrary I'll gladly look at it..

[garggggh]

The fourth link was not for graduate school, and still had Berkeley at #4. I'm yet to find any ranking list for computer science that has Berkeley less than #5. They're both great programs and Berkeley's rank isn't enough to make me pick it. However, I think it's apparent that Berkeley IS considerably more respected for computer science, and that's a strong factor in Berkeley's camp. If you can find some evidence to the contrary I'll gladly look at it..

Well if you want to keep justifying it, then I guess you should just pick Berkeley?

The only rankings that anyone cares about and takes seriously (somewhat) is US Weekly. And since that only has GRAD SCHOOL rankings for comp sci, it doesn't apply.

[garggggh]

The fourth link was not for graduate school, and still had Berkeley at #4. I'm yet to find any ranking list for computer science that has Berkeley less than #5. They're both great programs and Berkeley's rank isn't enough to make me pick it. However, I think it's apparent that Berkeley IS considerably more respected for computer science, and that's a strong factor in Berkeley's camp. If you can find some evidence to the contrary I'll gladly look at it..

1) I don't actually care where you go to undergrad. I'm just saying there are more important factors than "education".

2) The rankings that you showed me (for US Weekly) is for GRADUATE SCHOOL which doesn't apply to you.

3) Undergrad rankings, Berkeley is at 21, UCLA is at 24.

4) If I picked where I went to undergrad or law school solely by rankings, I wouldn't be at where I am today. Money was a big factor, location was a big factor, and national job placement/employers was a big factor. For law schools, UCLA places great in California but not so well nationally. I want the national reach. UCLA also doesn't place as well as GW in big firms. I need to work at a big firm to pay off my debt. UCLA is ranked #14 for law schools where as GW is ranked #20. However, GW has a bigger reach than UCLA. That was HUGE in my decision. GW gives me the opportunity to work back in California if I wanted to but UCLA did not give me the opportunity to work in NYC if I wanted to.

[concernedparent]

Well if you want to keep justifying it, then I guess you should just pick Berkeley?

The only rankings that anyone cares about and takes seriously (somewhat) is US Weekly. And since that only has GRAD SCHOOL rankings for comp sci, it doesn't apply.
No, I should pick the school that's best all around and that I want to go to. I'm having to justify it because you're denying something that's pretty obvious: Berkeley is more respected for computer science. People turn down ivy league schools because of the quality and caliber of Berkeley's computer science program. It's one of Berkeley's top/main focuses. That doesn't mean that's where I should go, but that is a positive factor for Berkeley. UCLA has many positive aspects too, and I might wind up choosing it.

[garggggh]

No, I should pick the school that's best all around and that I want to go to. I'm having to justify it because you're denying something that's pretty obvious: Berkeley is more respected for computer science. People turn down ivy league schools because of the quality and caliber of Berkeley's computer science program. It's one of Berkeley's top/main focuses. That doesn't mean that's where I should go, but that is a positive factor for Berkeley. UCLA has many positive aspects too, and I might wind up choosing it.

People turn down loads of better schools for "crappier" schools all the time. Like I said, I rejected Berkeley for UCLA. Berkeley has a "higher ranked" business school than UCLA.

I'm not denying that Berkeley has a higher ranked program, but that's for GRADUATE school. You have to realize your college diploma is really not worth that much any more, especially in this economy. So more than likely, you WILL end up going back to graduate school, which means the rankings might actually matter then. For now, just look at the overall undergrad stuff. Just because you went to Berkeley for comp sci as an undergrad does not mean you'll get into Berkeley for comp sci grad.

I guess what I'm trying to say is pick the school that is more enjoyable for you. The education you'll get will be roughly the same, and you'll most likely have to go back to graduate school, and THEN that's when the rankings will matter.

[concernedparent]

People turn down loads of better schools for "crappier" schools all the time. Like I said, I rejected Berkeley for UCLA. Berkeley has a "higher ranked" business school than UCLA.

I'm not denying that Berkeley has a higher ranked program, but that's for GRADUATE school. You have to realize your college diploma is really not worth that much any more, especially in this economy. So more than likely, you WILL end up going back to graduate school, which means the rankings might actually matter then. For now, just look at the overall undergrad stuff. Just because you went to Berkeley for comp sci as an undergrad does not mean you'll get into Berkeley for comp sci grad.

I guess what I'm trying to say is pick the school that is more enjoyable for you. The education you'll get will be roughly the same, and you'll most likely have to go back to graduate school, and THEN that's when the rankings will matter.
Berkeley has the stronger program period. It's one of the most competitive majors at Berkeley. I have no intentions of going to graduate school, and I don't believe that I'll need to with a computer science degree. Average starting salary for computer science graduates (with just a bachelors) from Berkeley is about $75,000 a year, according to a pretty high response rate.

I'd rather not debate this further. You're not going to convince me that UCLA is just as respected or strong as Berkeley in computer science, because I've done loads of research on this. I'm trying to decide which overall is the best choice, taking into account that Berkeley is considered one of the top schools in the world for CS. I very well may choose UCLA (heck, I'm probably leaning towards it), but this would be for other reasons.

[garggggh]

Berkeley has the stronger program period. It's one of the most competitive majors at Berkeley. I have no intentions of going to graduate school, and I don't believe that I'll need to with a computer science degree. Average starting salary for computer science graduates (with just a bachelors) from Berkeley is about $75,000 a year, according to a pretty high response rate.

I'd rather not debate this further. You're not going to convince me that UCLA is just as respected or strong as Berkeley in computer science, because I've done loads of research on this. I'm trying to decide which overall is the best choice, taking into account that Berkeley is considered one of the top schools in the world for CS. I very well may choose UCLA (heck, I'm probably leaning towards it), but this would be for other reasons.

I'm not trying to convince you that UCLA is just as strong as Berkeley in comp sci. I'm trying to say that rankings really don't mean that much and neither does your undergraduate.

That said, good luck with your choice and have fun at whichever school you decide to attend :)

[blahme]

One more reason to go to Berkeley? Two words: Cal Football. During the fall semester, Saturdays are game days, and our campus gains a life of its own. Game days are unparalleled with UCLA mainly because UCLA's football stadium is way off campus. Our stadium is across the street form our campus (with the exception of the 2011 season, when Memorial Stadium will undergo construction and Cal will play at Candlestick Park, where the 49ers play.) If you think Berkeley students have no social life, don't know how to have fun, game days will show you otherwise (I must say though, Cal students definitely know how to party it up). Basically, girls walk around in minimal clothing, people drinking openly in public, people chanting "Go Bears!" through the streets...its the quintessential college experience. Even if you don't like football, you'll love game days...The school spirit, beer, half-naked girls, theres nothing quite like it (at least not at UCLA). Also, UCLA sucks (at football, and most other sports). Cal wins based on school spirit, hah.

[concernedparent]

Picked UCLA! I feel great about the decision. It's not like Berkeley's a bad place, and it certainly has a lot of advantages over UCLA in my field. However, when I visited UCLA, it was like "THIS IS THE BEST PLACE IVE EVER BEEN TO". When I visited Berkeley, it was like "I'm going to UCLA."

I'm going with my gut on this one.

[concernedparent]

One more reason to go to Berkeley? Two words: Cal Football. During the fall semester, Saturdays are game days, and our campus gains a life of its own. Game days are unparalleled with UCLA mainly because UCLA's football stadium is way off campus. Our stadium is across the street form our campus (with the exception of the 2011 season, when Memorial Stadium will undergo construction and Cal will play at Candlestick Park, where the 49ers play.) If you think Berkeley students have no social life, don't know how to have fun, game days will show you otherwise (I must say though, Cal students definitely know how to party it up). Basically, girls walk around in minimal clothing, people drinking openly in public, people chanting "Go Bears!" through the streets...its the quintessential college experience. Even if you don't like football, you'll love game days...The school spirit, beer, half-naked girls, theres nothing quite like it (at least not at UCLA). Also, UCLA sucks (at football, and most other sports). Cal wins based on school spirit, hah.
haha, I feel you man. I'm sure I could grow to fall in love with Berkeley, but my heart is really with UCLA. No more advice is necessary!

[cantnokdahustle]

Wow, they give undergrads a hell of a bit longer to make their decisions. April 15th was the date I had to make my decision for my Masters program (between UWisconsin, Texas, Rice and UCSD)

[Nuns On A Bus]

Congrats, have fun at UCLA!

[garggggh]

Welcome to the Bruin family :)

Make sure you get your student package for all the game tickets. It's like $130 and that includes all football and all basketball (I don't know about the USC game though). SMASH SC! Have fun in Westwood. I miss it.

[concernedparent]

Welcome to the Bruin family :)

Make sure you get your student package for all the game tickets. It's like $130 and that includes all football and all basketball (I don't know about the USC game though). SMASH SC! Have fun in Westwood. I miss it.
USC gave me a just about full scholarship (their top "merit" scholarship). Made it feel even better to pick UCLA.

SMASH SC!

[garggggh]

USC gave me a just about full scholarship (their top "merit" scholarship). Made it feel even better to pick UCLA.

SMASH SC!

Yep, you were definitely born to be a Bruin!

Watch the Bear this year. Last year, stupid UCLA students didn't Bear Watch and the Bruin Bear got painted. To be fair, we got Tommy Trojan good the year before :)

Make sure you take advantage of all the free concerts (like Jazz & Reggae and whatever some of the groups put on) as well as the free on-campus movie screenings and the movie premieres in Westwood at the Fox theater. It's so fun.

[cantnokdahustle]

Welcome to the Bruin family :)

Make sure you get your student package for all the game tickets. It's like $130 and that includes all football and all basketball (I don't know about the USC game though). SMASH SC! Have fun in Westwood. I miss it.

$130? Shit, no baseball? Our sports teams are head and shoulders better (historically, except for basketball) than UCLA's, and we only pay $60 for all sports.

[garggggh]

$130? Shit, no baseball? Our sports teams are head and shoulders better (historically, except for basketball) than UCLA's, and we only pay $60 for all sports.

Baseball is free. So is soccer and lacrosse and water polo.

How can you say your sports are better if UCLA has the most NCAA championship titles in the country? 108. UT has 44.

[cantnokdahustle]

My apologies, I spoke out of ignorance and only contemporary observation of "the big 3."

Though, I still think that's a bit much to ask of students.

[concernedparent]

Glad I chose UCLA. It's an amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing place.

[ThePurpleHearts]

Glad I chose UCLA. It's an amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing place.

It is. Proud to be a Bruin.