<p>I got in!! =) And after a bunch of rejections and a few waitlistings, I’m esctatic and relieved. Cal’s been one of my top choices since I was a kid. But, I’m wondering… Is Cal’s environment and atmosphere ‘intellectual’? I’ve heard on the internet and from a few current students I know that it’s extremely competitive these days. It seems like with everyone working so hard, they would get burned out and not want to talk about ‘intellectual’ subjects outside of the classroom. It might be kind of silly, but my college fantasy was always to be surrounded by and friends with a bunch of ‘intellectuals’ who I could have in-depth discussions with, who would challenge me to learn and see things from different perspectives, etc. (again, not necessarily IN the classroom), who would be into obscure films and music, who would be eccentric… Is that Cal? (And yes, I know, I know, I probably sound pretty pretentious, but you know what I mean, right?)</p>
<p>It depends on your major, if your referring to friends you make in classes. I think humanities/poli sic/business majors and music/art majors are more talkative and intellectual about things in the news, politics etc. Bio/Chem/Physics/Engineering are more hardcore, devoted types. I havent made very many friends in my science classes to be honest, but I have made many in my art classes that i have taken, including my girlfriend.</p>
<p>It’s best to join clubs though too. That way people will be focused on the common goal of the club and not on school when you talk to them.</p>
<p>Hello! I’m a current student at Berkeley and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.</p>
<p>To answer your question: Yes, Cal is most definitely “intellectual”. During my freshman year I would talk to my suitemates about topics ranging from NFL to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to abstract algebra. Students come from a wide-range of backgrounds and are all at Berkeley to learn and every type of club or extracurricular exists at Cal. </p>
<p>At many schools, you will find more and less intellectual students around. Berkeley is no exception.</p>