University of California - Berkeley

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3 5951

UC Berkeley at a Glance

Location:
Berkeley, CA
Control:
Public
In-State Tuition:
$10,940
Out-of-State Tuition:
$31,022
Room & Board:
$15,317
Average Financial Aid:
$16,914
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:
uga.berkeley.edu/fao
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 . . .

Student Author OverviewWhat'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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Local Atmosphere at University of California - Berkeley

phylmoss

'12

Psychology Studies

5.0
A+

Cultured!

I moved here from Los Angeles, and I must say that there is just so much more here to do! There are so many food places and restaurants to eat at from all different types of cultures. There are great places to go biking, and hiking, and windsurfing. There are a lot of night clubs/bars, as well as comedy shows, dance concerts, music concerts, and so much more! We have our own gym that is fantastic with single and group exercise equipment, there are plenty of places to shop, and everyone here always has a smile on their face!

Feb 04, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Berkeley

phylmoss

'12

Psychology Studies

4.6
A

Psychology Major

Being a Psychology major at Berkeley is really exciting. We have so many wonderful professors from all walks of life that are passionate about what they study and present to students. These professors (and their graduate students are very welcoming and eager to share their knowledge and experiences. We have an amazing history of research done here. The department makes it quite easy to get involved in research, and in being one myself I must say that it is an amazing experience. The workload is fair as long as you stay on top of it;and the exams/quizzes are pretty fair as well.

Feb 04, 2012

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Transportation at University of California - Berkeley

CalLiang

'12

Business Administration and Management

5.0
A+

Bus

You don't have to pay for the bus. You get a sticker every semester and it is free. Bart, bus, or any other type of public transportation are actually affordable and accessible.

Jan 31, 2012

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Buy The Guidebook

Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Cal

Name: Meegan Brooks

Hometown: Granite Bay, CA

Major: Political science

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school