University of California - Berkeley

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UC Berkeley at a Glance

Location:
Berkeley, CA
Setting:
Mid-sized city
Control:
Public
In-State Tuition:
$10,940
Out-of-State Tuition:
$31,022
Room & Board:
$15,317
Full-Time Undergrads:
24,767
Part-Time Undergrads:
767
More statistics . . .
School Website:
www.berkeley.edu
Admissions Website:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions
Financial Aid Website:
students.berkeley.edu/finaid/
Application Deadline:
November 30
Acceptance Rate:
22 %
Admission Difficulty:
Very Hard
Average SAT Scores:
1840–2180
Average ACT Scores:
26–32

Best Things

  • Huge, diverse, and intellectually-driven student body
  • World-renowned and inspiring faculty
  • Large and abundant academic and athletic facilities
  • Proximity to San Francisco's cultures and communities
  • More best things . . .

Worst Things

  • Quality and price of off-campus housing
  • High academic pressure
  • Homeless population around campus
  • An overly accepted drug culture
  • More worst things . . .

Most Popular Majors

  • Social Sciences & Liberal Arts
  • Engineering
  • Biological Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • More majors . . .

Overall ExperienceWhat's This?

Generally, students have positive things to say about going to school here. Students who want to focus solely on academics or Cal’s prestigious name leave here satisfied with their educations. Those who come to "Berzerkeley" for its radicalism (or drug scene) are excited to see that the school is still carrying on its Free Speech Movement reputation. The students who chose Berkeley because it was the best college they got into are happy to know that Cal doesn’t have to be too weird. And anyone looking for good conversation will want to stay here forever.

Cal definitely has the ups and downs of being a public school. The large class sizes and lack of personal attention are the two major gripes. Being “just a number” makes it easy to become lonely, and many people see Berkeley as a place that’s difficult to make friends. While there is minimal hand-holding, the University teaches students to be independent and proactive. Most students at Cal are proud to be at a school that doesn’t spoil its students. The low tuition make it a tempting alternative to private schools, and football and big parties give Berkeley smarties the best of both academic and social worlds. Many students had a difficult time explaining the Berkeley personality, which most students here love. This is a place where you can really learn something new every day. Many students love being surrounded by other people who are down-to-earth, self-aware, and appreciate a good conversation. While some students feel the need to constantly assert their intelligence, most of the time it is accepted and looked past.

 

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University of California - Berkeley Campus Tour Video

UC Berkeley Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Facilities at University of California - Berkeley

mgalinato

Toxicology '15

3.8
B+

RSF

The RSF is a nice sports facility but you have to pay for the $10 membership fee for students (The RSF is open to the public as well). However, if you are in EOP, you can apply for the waiver.

There are many cardio machines, such as treadmills, basketball courts, and places to play volleyball or badminton. You can also sign up for classes, such as kickboxing.

May 27, 2012

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Campus Housing at University of California - Berkeley

mgalinato

Toxicology '15

3.8
B+

Unit 1 - Freeborn

The only problem with Freeborn is that there's only one elevator. Every so often it breaks and students end up having to use the stairs (If you live on the 8th floor, it's a workout).

However, I really liked the building. Everyone is friendly, easy to talk to and and the building is substance free, so you don't have to deal with stinky odors as much.

May 27, 2012

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Inside Scoop at University of California - Berkeley

mgalinato

Toxicology '15

3.5
B

Dining Commons

The food at the dining commons are ok, but it's better to check the menus first to figure out where you want to eat. Crossroads is big and has the most options but it just depends on what you feel like eating. There's a DC at Unit 3, Foothill and Clark Kerr.

However, if you want a late night snack or a late dinner, Late-Night at Crossroads or Foothill is really good. I recommend chicken strips or the Orange Chicken Rice Bowl. It's set up a la carte and made fresh.

May 27, 2012

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User rating for University of California - Berkeley is 3.5 out of 5 based on 1052 user reviews.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Meegan Brooks
Hometown
Granite Bay, CA
Major
Political science

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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