Civil Engineering at UCLA vs UCB. Help?

bryanlee95
Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:06:26 +0000

This is a copy/paste of a post I posted earlier on CC, but realized I had it in the wrong forum:

I have been admitted to a number of schools and have, in the last few weeks, narrowed my choices down between UC Berkeley and UCLA. I have visited both on their Cal and Bruin Days, respectively. I have been admitted for Civil Engineering for Fall Sem/Quarter for both schools.

I can’t decide between the two colleges for my major. I’ve heard from most people that Berkeley is much better academically for my major (and engineering in general), and I really do love the campus and area immediately outside of the school. However, I love the feel of UCLA as well. The students seem to enjoy the school, and seem much friendlier. I feel UCB engineering will be too overwhelming and that I won’t survive long enough to get the degree, or perhaps I’m just freaking out…

I have lived in SoCal my whole life and don’t mind staying here; LA and SoCal is a wonderful place to live and be in. I don’t mind if I go far for college either. Berkeley seems to a be a nice college town, or at least the area near the college does.

My ideal college experience is a very typical one. I want to attend a school with well known, high quality academics. Though I know I will study a lot, especially as an engineer, I want to be able to have a social life and have some fun while studying. Basically I want a balanced college experience.

Can anyone throw in some information, personal thoughts, etc. to help me come to a decision?

Thank you!