<p>What your friend needs to do is figure out how difficult it is to get a Big 4 position from UCI. </p>
<p>If she needs to be at the top of the class at UCI to get an accounting job, then there’s not reason to go there. She would be in the exact same sort of competitive environment that Berkeley has (gunning for that 4.0) with no guarantee of the job she wants. The average Haas student has NO problem getting a Big 4 position. If you want it, and you have a ~3.5 and aren’t a social ■■■■■■, they will give you the job. If have to be a gunner, go for the sure thing!</p>
<p>On the other hand, if most students in her program at UCI get Big 4 offers, then she should go there. It’s a safe bet, and it sounds like she isn’t a high-stress, Type A competitive person, as is the Berkeley stereotype. Haas gives you incredible opportunities. But if you just want to enjoy college and take a 9-5PM accounting job after graduation, it’s foolish to kill yourself for 4 years in a high-stress environment when you don’t have to. If this is the case, UCI is the right choice.</p>