<p>Berkeley and Michigan are simply different. Though I am not yet a college student and have only visited the U of M once, I do have a brother who is currently a junior at Cal, and have been a die-hard Bears fan since I was little. That being said, I’ve been to Cal numerous times. Sat in on classes with my brother, been to Cal vs USC football games (similar to UM-OSU in rivalry status), slept in a friend’s dorm room, etc. Personally, I think Cal’s environment is more outright intense, though “stimulation” is an arguable term. UM and Berkeley use different things to stimulate their students. Cal is probably more of a “wow” university, so the prestige of a Cal degree, coupled with blunt history such as Mario Savio and the FSM, drives many students. Plus, there is always that #1 ranking to live up to. Michigan is probably more laid-back, though that should not be mistaken for less serious. Students know internally how much the degree is worth, even if many people only associate Michigan with football. Students are driven to work hard for each other, their alumni, etc., all under the “Go Blue” mantra. It is more subtle, yet nonetheless very present. Berkeley’s history and traditions are among the most unique in the world for any university, public or private, but the fact that it is different from the U of M should not lower either institution’s academic standing.</p>