UCLA vs. Berkeley for Psychology

tishtok
Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:04:40 +0000

As everybody has said before, their programs are about equal. You will probably get a MA or PhD or PsyD if you stick with Psychology. As such, it doesn’t really matter where you do your undergrad. Getting a BA from either Berkeley or UCLA will give you a great launching pad into graduate school. Of course, it all depends on how you do in the schools…If you do well at either place,you will be in a good position. I believe that you will have about the same opportunities at either school. Basically, your decision (imo) shouldn’t really hinge upon pure academics, since they’re about the same. Instead, like others suggested, look into research opportunities…Also, DEFINITELY visit both campuses. I am in the exact same boat as you (admitted to both, spring admit for ucb). I practically live on UCLA campus (I go there at least several times a week). It was my dream school. I didn’t even consider Berkeley until I visited it. When I did, I loved it, mostly because of the environment, and the “college-town” feel. Another factor to consider is the quarter system/semester system. Quarters go by much more quickly, so you can get classes out of the way, and if you don’t like them, they’re over much sooner. But, you do have to digest things much more quickly. On the other hand, semesters, even though they are long, give you a better chance to understand subject matter, and make connections with professors. But if you dislike a class, you will still be in it for a quite while.

I don’t know where you live. If you would like to hear more about the “feel” of ucla vs berkeley, in my biased opinion, of course, then reply to me. If not, I won’t bore you with the details. Hope this has helped. :)