<p>Hey guys! I got into Cal for EECS (electrical engineering and computer science) and wanted to know if I’d be a good fit:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>I really like being surrounded by intelligent people with different experiences so that I can constantly learn new things from them</p></li>
<li><p>I like helping and supporting people and love it when people offer help when I need it (like with homework)</p></li>
<li><p>I love nerds. I want to be with people who build and make things for fun (i.e. make an equalizer in the dorm for fun)</p></li>
<li><p>I want people who are down to earth (keep in mind I’m in engineering)</p></li>
<li><p>I’m anachronistic. I really love music from the 20’s. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks!!!</p>
<p>Hey I got into EECS as well 
sounds like you’ll fit right in at Cal! </p>
<p>So long as you’re enthusiastic, learn fast, and are passionate about CS (or EE), you’ll fit right in as EECS. Careful to take on too much during your first semester, though! :P</p>
<p>Thanks guys, these are helpful but they don’t quite answer my question about the quirkiness of the school!</p>
<p>Nothing you asked sounds out of the ordinary. There’s plenty of techy clubs, including hackers at berkeley which really encourages people to build neat things. There’s a hackerspace and all sorts of tools. Yes, you will be constantly surrounded by people way smarter than you. Yes, there’s tutoring everywhere, lots of clubs aimed at helping people, and a collaborative/helpful CS culture.</p>
<p>Down to earth people: Not really sure what you mean by that. People here seem pretty normal. Keep in mind there are tons of people here… even in your classes, there’s an endless supply of people you’ve never met before (1000 people in 61A? why not?). It might take a bit of searching, depending on how picky you are, but you’ll find it if you want to. Outside of CS, there are also tons of clubs, groups, and organizations… for just about everything.</p>
<p>The biggest I think is necessary to be successful at Cal is to be independent. This is way more important here than just being smart. You need to know when to get help, how to manage your time, how to take care of yourself, and how to stay confident even if you don’t do as well as you hope. I think this is especially important in lower-divs, where class sizes are huge, and you are working to beat a curve. If that doesn’t sound like you, then a smaller college might be better for you. That being said, the independence that is required in Berkeley also comes with a large amount of freedom to do as you please!</p>
<p>Have you been on the campus? I think you have to go to the campus and spend some time there to really know if you love Cal. You will know the minute you get there. </p>