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

ballincourt96
Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:44:54 +0000

I’ve met a lot of diverse people. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.