4.5 out of 5 Stars
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Great reputation, academics, research opportunities, smart students, beautiful campus, many places to study, and available internships.
DownersHousing 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.
CommentsMake use of career center, handshake, and cold emails to get plenty of access to jobs and internships.
Would You RecommendYes
Amazing professors; amazing classes; intellectual student body; diversity of opinion; a degree that garners respect.
DownersVery large classes can make you feel a little lost at times; administration is rigid in its policies.
CommentsIt 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.
Would You RecommendYes
Location is the best, as its great to be part of the bay area exmployers and environment.
Downersso its a little dirty, but that is part of the "character".
CommentsYou should consider this school, but also consider Stanford if you get it.
Would You RecommendYes
The school had a rigorous curriculum with great professors. "Life-study balance" was good.
DownersSince it is a public school, it is not great with networking opportunities, which I believe can improve.
CommentsI would strongly encourage students to consider attending this school.
Would You RecommendYes
Quality of faculty
Small, walkable campus
Deep roots in California
Prominent reputation
Location/surrounding areas
DownersGigantic class sizes
Lack of personal attention
Lack of career guidance
CommentsIf 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.
Would You RecommendYes
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
DownersVery 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
CommentsVisit 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.
Would You RecommendYes
Teachers, opportunities to research, great name and job prospects, variety of classes and majors.
DownersThe large class sizes, sometimes hard to register for classes due to large majors.
CommentsVisit the campus, sit in to classes, network with older students.
Would You RecommendYes
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.
DownersIt can be dangerous sometimes at night. Also rent is expensive in this area.
CommentsActually talk to lots of alumni before you come. Choosing college is all about personality fit.
Would You RecommendYes
Diverse Culture
Good professors
Various research opportunities
Lovely campus view
DownersSome classes are so big that not all the student can be taken good care of
CommentsDiverse Culture
Good professors
Various research opportunities
Lovely campus view
Would You RecommendYes
I like the rigorous courses and a wide variety of course selections the best. It's a truly great academic institution.
DownersI don't like the extreme competitiveness among students. It's hard to make friends in such an environment.
CommentsIt 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.
Would You RecommendYes