heydonster

I am really torn with my decision. I have always dreamed of going to Cal and since I am from LA I never expected to go there. Once I found out I was accepted to Cal in Spring I started ot consider UCLA and once I went to campus I fell in love with it.

Though, I still don't think I could turn down Cal. I want to know more about the FPF program because that is really holding me back. I hear only 50% get housing and that it is difficult to feel a part of the campus since you never go to campus.

So Cal starting with FPF or UCLA in the fall?

heydonster

Also, I am worried that coming from Los Angeles, that I won't fit in with the Berkeley atmosphere. UCLA had a great college welcone day and Cal Day was a big turn off.

I want to give Cal a chance...

LeftistHominid

Do not reject Cal because of housing. You are essentially guaranteed (though unofficially guaranteed) housing for spring if you do not get it in fall.

unlimitedx

You'll be a part of the campus if you join clubs on campus. And you actually take one class on campus (for english requirement).

dontcha

same issue here

kenf1234

I wouldn't listen to your childhood dreams. I'd go with your current gut instinct.

vc08

You've always dreamed of going to Cal, so don't let the opportunity slip! FPF really isn't anything "lower" than "regular" fall semester, as you get to do the exact same things every other freshman does. Don't let this discourage you, I know many, many people who passed up higher ranked schools for FPF and are glad they did. Go with your heart, and you'll have no regrets!

Beatchick

I agree with Kenf1234 and go with your gut. I'm curious to know why Cal was a dream (like going away to college, or prestige, or whatever made you want to go to Cal vs. UCLA) and what turned you off about Cal Day.

I'm thinking if you really hated Cal Day, I'm not so sure you would enjoy coming here.

On the other hand, once you choose, it's really hard to reverse the decision, so keep that in mind too.

kimx

I'm in the same boat as you.

First of all, because you're debating about FPF, are you already accepted into it? If not, I'd get on the wait list now!!! And did you go to the FPF lecture in Wheeler on Cal Day? It was informative, and they plan to house 400-500 FPF students.

But from reading, I think you're already in it... FPF isn't a bad idea at all, and I wish I had put a deposit in earlier because now I am on the wait list. If you don't get housing, there's always some alternative options, or you can even find some other FPF students without housing.

However, since you didn't get a great vibe from Cal Day and fell in love with the UCLA campus, I would go with your gut. There's this intangible feeling that you get when you know it's the school for you.

missnancy427

yup i would go to ucla!!! great schhoool!!! the fpf isn't that great... its quite a waste of time...

LeftistHominid

^*** are you talking about. FPF is great. You get breadth done early, so you're not worrying about it later on. Also, FPF students graduate with a slightly higher GPA than non-FPF students.

dontcha

kimx - how do you know if you are on the waitlist or not?

vc08

agree with leftist....though obviously I'm not in it, everyone I know who has done FPF is glad they did. I've actually never heard anyone complain about it.

bessie

Berkeley is not for everybody. If you do not like it, go to UCLA.

LeftistHominid

^vc08, the only thing we can really complain about it is it's location. The trek from Unit 4 to FPF can take a while (though with the bus you can get there rather quickly)