Getting into Cal and what to expect when you finally get there

Colleges & Universities University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>This is just a simple advice post and may contain some contraversial themes, so take it with a grain of salt. I am telling you this because Cal will be the most growth-inducing, existentially-wrenching, and confusing 3-5 years of you or your son/daughter’s young life and it is simply the facts from my experience:</p>

<p>To get into Cal, you probably should be in the top 10% and probably have a good chance in the top 25% if your HS is really competitive.</p>

<p>Geting an SAT over 1300 or ACT over 27 will greatly bolster your chances, especially if your grades are strong with APs. (3.9 (4.1w) or better) As they have done away with AA (though we know this already, which has resulted in the supermajority of asians, while other races like whites, latinos and blacks are being squeezed out – much to the detriment of the quality of life at the university for other students), do not rely on your race to get you in – go to school, work hard and do your best.</p>

<p>Apply undeclared, even if you are absolutely sure you know what you do. You can still take the classes, it may just be a little harder to get into them your first couple semesters, but take this opportunity to expand your mind and learn something outside your field of interest. You will be amazed by how much it can help you down the road. </p>

<p>Once you declare a major, it is often difficult to get out or switch. Applying undeclared will prevent you, especially if you are an obviously qualified, from being bounced if you pick one of the “Impacted” or over-populated majors. It may sound like you are being wishy-washy, but it actually shows the admissions officers that you are open, rather than deadset on being MCB or Engineering or Poli Sci.</p>

<p>Write a good essay that makes you seem more than a robot who just churns out good grades and test scores. Express interest in something other than school, do as many ECs as you have time for. Look like you have social skills, something a lot of Cal students obviously lack, as demonstrated by our new commercial this year.</p>

<p>Oh, and one last thing? Luck. Lots of it. </p>

<p>Okay; so now you are in.</p>

<p>“It’s okay to be weird at Cal, because everyone is weird!” As that young lady said in the commercial, holding up her ID proudly. Yes Cal people are weird, but don’t make it a purpose. Out and out Weirdness is somewhat tolerated here, but not in the real world. I know several Cal alumni (and drop outs!), who had to go running back to Berkeley itself because they simply could not hack it or handle the real world despite being (allegedly) the top of their class here.</p>

<p>Do not expect everyone to be your friend. There will simply be a group of people you don’t get along with. Deal with it. Besides, social challenges are good. Toughen the soul and make your stronger.</p>

<p>Do not limit your social life to the Dorm. You will miss out on a lot and get into a habit of staying in every saturday night and doing nothing. Except possibly smoking pot and drinking courtesy of the 21 year old transfer student. </p>

<p>Do not immediately discount the Greek system. We might have a negative rep (mostly media induced, thank you), but we also do a lot of good things for the community. It also is a great way to meet people and develop those valuable social and networking skills that will help you suceed later in life that are otherwise untaught at Berkeley. Remember, it’s not what you know – it’s who you know and will always be that way unless we have some massive human paradigm shift. Oh, and the housing is far cheaper than many apartments if you can deal with the hierarchy that can be a real nuisance the first two semesters.</p>

<p>Do not get snared into drugs, as tempting as they are. Do I really need to explain this? Experimenting is fine. Making it the center of your social life? Not fine.</p>

<p>Find a new hobby. Play an instrument. Write. Do something that will distinguish you from the herds of wannabes and wonks!</p>

<p>Enjoy the Freshman Herd Mentality during the Welcome Week. This is the funnest part of being at Cal, because you feel the most accepted right here. Enjoy it, but don’t get used to it because these same five-minute friends will forget and ditch you when school starts. If you are going to be a Dormy, find 5-6 people you get along with really well and stick with them after the first week.</p>

<p>Keep an open mind academically. I was deadset on business when I first arrived at Cal and it ruined my first two years. Finally, I gave up and picked something else. It’s not what I wanted, but at least I’m getting a degree, so I can go to Grad School.</p>

<p>Tell your TAs (Called GSIs here, which I happen to think is enormously pretentious) and Profs to shove it once in awhile. Not literally, but do it by not staying in on Friday or Saturday and studying. There is a huge beautiful world out there, explore! Get out! Have fun! Even if it is for an hour or two, drinking coffee at Cafe Strada or bumming around the bar-resturaunts on Telegraph, or browsing the Indie Section at Rasputin and Amoeba. You never know who or what you’ll meet and find! At the very worst, you’ll have a funny horror story to tell your friends back at the dorms/co-op/frat/sorority/etc and your friends back home. </p>

<p>Share your voice, even if others make you falter. It will only reinforce your views, help you forge new ones and understand the world better. People at Cal seem to be notoriously unkind to those who have differing opinions than theirs. Of course, I may just be in trouble because I am a libertarian, but that’s beside the point.</p>

<p>Case in point: I am personally against abortion, but I don’t want to get rid of it – I see it a a necessary evil in certain cases. </p>

<p>I shared this once, but before I could get the second clause in, I got a ranting diatribe about how I am a Bush-supporter and how Republicans are not welcome here. BEFORE I could even finish getting ‘but’ out of my mouth. I then tried to explain and said person and their group got in a huge huff and walked away, after they themselves had the audacity to ask me what my opinion was. Do not let them finish the first sentence of their lecture about your “evils”, if you have to explain your reasons, do so. But be forceful and do not let them drown you out. These people are the MOST insecure and need to be put into “their place” so to speak, because one person with negative press of you in the dorm can ruin the entire experience.</p>

<p>When I ran into said person later, I tried to explain and they simply said I was weak by trying to change my opinion to get along and it wasn’t going to work. I hate the crap and it is far far far too common here. Please, new people – don’t do that. It’s REALLY annoying and a very bad social habit to develop. It may get you a head in your social group, but in the real world? You will be eaten alive.</p>

<p>Berkeley is not racially very diverse and that’s a fact. All this claim of diversity is B.S. and unless you are really into the various Asian culture, it’s hard to find substantial groups that do anything else that otherwise not limit your opps to meet people. </p>

<p>Whites, and Jews especially, tend to be somewhat reviled in some circles, so if you have an interest in Palestinian Liberation or what not, and are of the “Diametrically” (see Jewish heritage or right of very “liberal”) opposed group? Don’t bother. </p>

<p>On the flipside; liberalism is not as prevalant as it once was. We have a strong conservative and moderate minority here. Though I would prefer to see a balance of power, the ultra-conservatives are definately gaining a POWERFUL foothold.</p>

<p>If you are in an impacted major, be prepared not to have a social life as the classes are very competitive and you will need every free minute to prepare for the rigorous exams. If you REALLY REALLY want to go to Med School or be an engineer going to grad school and have a social life, go elsewhere. Otherwise, come and enjoy.</p>

<p>Wacky GSIs are also a fact. Arbitrary grades can be a fact. If you feel you have been wronged, don’t take it idly like I did. Seek the Office of Student Life for this and any other beef you have with your instructors. If an instructor gives you a C-, even if you worked your tail off, you have it in your rights to challenge them. Though rare, there are instructors who will punish you for your race, gender, political ideas, religion and so on even though they are not supposed to. Also, you will have professors that give lectures on contraversial and often emotion inducing topics that can be offensive to your particular social group. </p>

<p>I’ll let you figure this one out of your own. Don’t want to give you a total “strategy” guide to life at Cal.</p>

<p>Guys; if you are expecting to find a beautiful wife here; forget it. The hot girls are few and far between. Settle for someone decent looking and with a good personality. You’ll be much happier.</p>

<p>Girls; same goes for you. A lot of the guys here are idiots. Find a nice guy who may be second tier in appearance. You’ll be much happier than having to chase a player-jerk around. </p>

<p>Both: It will provide you with a stable anchor if you can find someone who you love and who geniunely loves you back and you can avoid a lot of the emotional pitfalls of College, which at Cal, you do not have time to deal with.</p>

<p>Finally: Leave your homelife at home. Do not hold on to old boyfriends and girlfriends, I can promise you, they are not waiting for you. Forget your insecurities. Call Mommy or Daddy one time a week, for fifteen minutes to say hi, keep them updated, but otherwise restrict how much contact you have with home. You will otherwise get homesick and get depressed. Also, you have to be a self-starter. Do NOT expect anyone to help you, even with the tutoring services available. You are here to learn how to be independent and function as a human being, not have your hand held.</p>

<p>Hope this has been helpful.</p>

1 Like
2

<p>thanks for posting that</p>

3

<p>No. You’ve just scared the hell out of me.</p>

1 Like
4

<p>Almost every Republican I know did not enjoy Berkeley. But they did leave much nicer people than when they first arrived, whether they like to admit it or not.</p>

1 Like
5

<p>Thanks for the great advice, first step is to get in ;)…</p>

6

<p>Any other anecdotes? Preferably not depressing. If possible, maybe positive.</p>

1 Like
7

<p>Hehe, I didn’t mean to scare anyone, I was just putting the truth out there. I’ve had a rough couple of years, I think everyone I know pretty much has – but the experience is almost overwhelmingly positive.</p>

<p>My facebook.com profile says I have like 172 friends, but I am only close to about 10 of those people, and that’s a lot, considering how many “real” friends a lot of us have. I never had 10 close friends in my life before. Most of my life I only had like 3 people outside my family I actually cared about beyond the normal “They are alive and healthy and that’s good” mentality. </p>

<p>I’ve met a lot of interesting people who have profoundly changed my outlook at the world. This can be good or bad depending on who you are. I also learned that it is okay sometimes to fail (as long as you tried your hardest and as long as it isn’t a class! O.O), but what I learned is when I did “fail”, it wasn’t because I actually failed, I just didn’t do what completely worked the first time, I dusted myself off, and got up and tried again. The major thing you will learn at Berkeley, never give up! If there was a degree in Perseverence and Determination, I think every student here would recieve it.</p>

<p>A lot of people come here after being coddled and handed As and being told how wonderful and individual they are; their entire lives and don’t know what failure, individuality, and excellence really is, and as soon as they get a C+ in a class, or meet someone who doesn’t like/agree with them, and/or can’t get their new hobby right away, they freak out and hate Cal. It’s all psychological.</p>

<p>It is hard, and life can be pretty gloomy sometimes, but you will come out of it stronger and more ready to handle the world than many of your peers at comparable universities. The point is to enjoy yourself while you are there, don’t let people push you around, and forget your old conceptions of the world, else you’ll become a bitter, jaded old man like me. :wink: Come in with a blank-slate, Tabula Rosa, because no preconceptions or advice can totally prepare you for the wonderful experience at your feet. Pick it up, and go with it. Don’t look back when the going gets tough, because after your first year – it gets way easier. Most people who leave Cal, leave after their first year. The next weeder is kids who plain fail out, which are relatively rare, but shockingly common for such a high quality university. </p>

<p>If you can make it through your second year; (which is cake after year one, trust me!) you are pretty much golden and have gone through an academic, psychological, and social crucible unrivalled in the world. Use this time to develop all of your aspects, not just your resume. If you spend all your time in the library, you will sorely regret it. </p>

<p>Cal is challenging, but it is no where as difficult or impossible as everyone says it is. You just need to find a balance and keep your eye on the prize. But don’t sell your soul to do it.</p>

8

<p>Seriously, don’t be scared – life is supposed to be a trial, in which you attain respect through hard work and perseverence; and Cal is designed to weed out the weak.</p>

<p>And I could give plenty of positive anecdotes, but I would be breaking my oath of secrecy. ;)</p>

<p>But okay; here’s a funny one from my Fall Semester Second Year.</p>

<p>So, I’m living in the dorms again, because I was really close to quitting after a miserable first year (imagine how enthused you would be to return after a year with enough crap for a five year student – Nightmare roommates, depression, being bounced out of a class due to reasons beyond your control, having one of those legendary wacky GSIs, and so many other things I don’t care to mention.) and I was sleeping on the top bunk in my new dorm room. So, I’ve never slept on a top bunk before and all of a sudden, I find out I’m on the floor, sprawled out like a cockroach on its back. Now, my two roommates are awakened by the crash of me hitting the floor. They see if I am okay, which my old roommates would never have done if it had happened there. I’m fine, so I get up, go to the bathroom, come back and go to sleep. When I wake up in the morning, I don’t really remember what happened and I have my new friends giving me crap (Good-naturedly of course), about falling off the bed and being an idiot, but mostly they just wanted to know if I was alright.</p>

9

<p>haha. Berkeley sounds like a great college experience. I’m excited because i think that’s where i’m going to go.</p>

1 Like
10

<p>thanks for that.
which are the majors that are impacted?</p>

11

<p><a href=“http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/majors/majorlist.html[/url]”>http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/majors/majorlist.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Anything with a red pound sign next to it is an “impacted” major. There aren’t that many, but those that are – are considered very popular and difficult.
Competitive!!! Engineering tends to be difficult to get into, but once you get into the College, you are set. Haas is notoriously difficult to get into, I know, I tried! But if you want to go into business, there are work arounds other than Haas Business and Econ. </p>

<p>Do what I did, American Studies with an emphasis in Business and Global Consumerism, I’ve taken a few business/business like classes through it and overall am way happier than having to do the rigamarole and crap to get into Haas.</p>

12

<p>Yeah but at the end of the day, people from those impacted majors (particularly Haas and engineering) often have a much easier time getting a job. That’s part of why they’re so impacted.</p>

13

<p>Not necessarily my friend!</p>

1 Like
14

<p>thanks for that post.
Cal’s definetely my top choice and if i get in then I’m going to dance around my house for hours.</p>

15

<p>Two of the impacted majors, namely psychology and mass communications, aren’t particularly difficult or highly respected; they are merely popular. In fact, some consider masscomm to be a “fluff” major.</p>

16

<p>good post…</p>

17

<p>I applied as a “robot” who simply churned out good grades and SATs. My essays gave off false sincerity, although I pulled it off well enough to make the admissions people believe me.</p>

18

<p>Mass comm is one of the “fluff majors.” Some of the non-fluff majors would be: any engineering, or any B.S. Degrees. I can’t say anything about the L&S majors, but I would think math, business, MCB, and some others are quite challenging. Other fluff majors… well… I don’t know, I’m sure it’s still hard either way. Even the so-called “easy” majors provide enough stressful situations, so beware.</p>

19

<p>Other fluff majors are any major with the word “Studies” in its name. I.e. Peace and Conflict Studies, Film Studies, etc. It’s ironic that these majors have the word ‘Studies’ in their name when they are filled with lots of students who do anything but study. I’m not saying that all students in those majors don’t study hard, but that certainly is the case for a disproportionately large percentage of them.</p>

20

<p>I didn’t read any of the part describing “how to get in” but I read the rest. It made me smile at its sometimes painful, sometimes positive honesty. Anyone interested in coming to Berkeley (or Cal for some…there are two distinct camps when it comes to referring to the name of the school) should definitely read this and take his words to heart.</p>

<p>Well, break’s over, back to Math 1B p-set…</p>