Great reputation, academics, research opportunities, smart students, beautiful campus, many places to study, and available internships.

Housing is very hard to find because there are too many students. The homeless population near campus makes it unsafe at times, but school has some resources to protect students.

Make use of career center, handshake, and cold emails to get plenty of access to jobs and internships.

Yes

Amazing professors; amazing classes; intellectual student body; diversity of opinion; a degree that garners respect.

Very large classes can make you feel a little lost at times; administration is rigid in its policies.

It is the number 1 public school in the nation. Attending UC Berkeley is an honor and all students admitted should seriously consider attending, visit campus and at least one or two classes.

Yes

Location is the best, as its great to be part of the bay area exmployers and environment.

so its a little dirty, but that is part of the "character".

You should consider this school, but also consider Stanford if you get it.

Yes

The school had a rigorous curriculum with great professors. "Life-study balance" was good.

Since it is a public school, it is not great with networking opportunities, which I believe can improve.

I would strongly encourage students to consider attending this school.

Yes

Quality of faculty

Small, walkable campus

Deep roots in California

Prominent reputation

Location/surrounding areas

Gigantic class sizes

Lack of personal attention

Lack of career guidance

If you are considering attending a large public university in California, Berkeley is one of the best options. The professors are great, the school has a solid reputation, and spending your college years in the Bay Area is amazing. However, the class sizes are large, guidance (especially with respect to post-graduate careers and further education) is minimal, and students are expected to make their own way in many respects. For an independent student, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, some students who need more hand-holding might find this daunting.

Yes

Diverse environment

Rigorous academics

Near a lot of fun things to do in the Bay Area

A lot of clubs and opportunities to find your place on campus

Target school for many companies

Very competitive and sometimes demoralizing environment (especially premed and STEM majors)

Large school so sometimes you don't receive individualized attention

High cost of living/rent

Visit the campus and see if you enjoy the vibe, don't just pick the school based on prestige because this is a place where you're going to be for the next four years at minimum. It doesn't matter how good the school is if you're not happy here because your grades will reflect that, and student mental health is a large epidemic here.

Yes

The liberal and innovative environment in general. I learned a lot about my life & what kind of person i truly am just by interacting with the amazing people here.

It can be dangerous sometimes at night. Also rent is expensive in this area.

Actually talk to lots of alumni before you come. Choosing college is all about personality fit.

Yes

Diverse Culture

Good professors

Various research opportunities

Lovely campus view

Some classes are so big that not all the student can be taken good care of

Diverse Culture

Good professors

Various research opportunities

Lovely campus view

Yes

I like the rigorous courses and a wide variety of course selections the best. It's a truly great academic institution.

I don't like the extreme competitiveness among students. It's hard to make friends in such an environment.

It would be great if you could come to the campus and talk to some students to make sure if Berkeley is a fit for you.

Yes