<p>Cuke,
my hubby started as a philosophy major …I forget what was # 2 on his list for a while before ultimately ending up getting his degree in Econ…then law school… I started as a math major…couldn’t understand most of the math professors at my school and ended up with a major of psych minor in speech and another minor in educational psychology. I never wanted to teach but I loved learning about learning. My favorite college course was actually 3 mini-courses… 1 credit each on Behavior, Intelligence and Creativity. </p>
<p>Both Berkeley and UoC are GREAT schools where you will have a chance to exercise your brain. The key here is to do as Soozie says and study and learn…sit in on a class or two if you can during your visit…to both schools. I think the core curriculum at Chicago is something your parents would value if presented properly??</p>
<p>The only other input I have for your consideration is if you intend to live in CA when all is said and done, you have a greater chance of seeing your college friends if you go to Berkeley…I am a transplant to Maine and sometimes I envy my friends from here because they “know” so many more people here. I moved here after college…most of my college friends remained in NY state…so, it has always meant a little more effort to build a “home” here…if in fact you know you want to live in CA when done, then help your parents understand that this is your window of opportunity to expand your horizon…that it is your intent to come “back” to them at the end of the 4 yr experience…</p>