@CalDadCA you must be thrilled to have both kids going to same school next fall! Cornell is also a great school (S has some friends there) but I think the weather is definitely better in Berkeley than Ithaca! I definitely get the impression that there are lots of highly motivated and driven kids…I think that is a big appeal for my S but he also just wants to make sure there’s a balance as he would not do well in an environment where everyone is only focused on academics, grades, etc.! He read something that said the kids at Berkeley don’t smile and are always stressed out and that had him concerned…I told him don’t believe everything you read on the internet! lol! 
I’m glad to hear from everyone in this discussion group that kids at UCB do take advantage of and participate in the many club and IM sports offerings as well as the other clubs, professional and social fraternities and of course cheering on the teams! Thanks so much for your perspective! It definitely gives me, as the mom, a lot of reassurance that he can thrive there!
@sdhotmama it sounds like your boys are also having such a great experience and really making the most of their time at UCB…hopefully next year will be a better football season! I know my son will have to adjust a bit after growing up going to games at “The Big House” (UMich famous football stadium that seats over 105,000 people…nothing like being at a home game in a packed stadium there!), but we could tell from walking around and seeing everyone sporting their Cal gear that there is definitely a LOT of school spirit and he really liked that! Does anyone go to basketball games?! Or any other team games? Have your boys joined any professional clubs or any other organizations? thanks so much for all the insight!! really appreciate it!