University of California—Berkeley (UCal Berkeley)

University of California-Berkeley is renowned for its "great faculty, great research, [and] great classes," as well as its "open, liberal education and culture." The school is dedicated to providing students with "a well-rounded, diverse education," and many students suggest that it's the "best location in the country for entrepreneurship and innovation." UC Berkeley's business and computer science programs are highly regarded, and it is home to "some of the best engineering programs across the board among colleges." The abundance of "top-notch" research taking place on and off-campus creates "plenty of opportunities for undergrads to engage in it," such as the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF). One of the distinct advantages of attending UC Berkeley is the expertise of its faculty, who are described by students as "fantastic" and among "the best in their fields." Professors "have full command of their subjects and are determined to find an answer to anything they don't know, within their discipline," while students describe their graduate instructors as "very accessible and helpful." Students also appreciate the school's culture, which fosters "independent and collaborative thinking across all fields." One student shares that the school "really encourages us to go out and learn, both inside and outside the classroom." Another student summarizes their academic journey by saying, "Berkeley will offer you all the opportunity you can handle; it's up to you to take hold of it."

With an undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000, Berkeley is a bustling and welcoming community where all types “mix among each other easily” and friendships often form around majors or dorms. Says one junior, “From clubs to DeCal courses, there is no way a student will not make a group of friends while here at Cal.” Berkeley undergrads are often described as “politically liberal, nonreligious, and pretty independent.” In addition, they are known for their “ability to hold high-level conversation[s] about basically anything.” And students’ enthusiasm for their academic pursuits is inspiring; in fact, just “talking to them for five minutes about it makes you wonder if you should change your major.” Berkeley attracts students from all over the United States and many other countries, including a high percentage of students from Asia. This rich diversity fosters an environment of inclusivity, where everyone can find their place, “regardless of their sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs,” thanks to the many opportunities for undergraduates to connect over shared interests.

Berkeley is “a great choice for students who want the feeling of a big state school but want to also be pushed to their limits.” Although “academics are a priority,” there’s “a constant buzz of student activity that drives everyday life” on campus. There is an “amazing community” of student-run organizations, “clubs, sports, student-run classes, seminars, [and] research opportunities” that provides “many different venues for people to find their passion.” On campus, there are plenty of things to occupy one’s time, everything “from frat houses to coffee shop discussions, hiking the fire trails to studying for finals.” Off-campus, there’s lots to explore in the downtown Berkeley area, and students use the “really convenient and timesaving” Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to visit San Francisco. In true undergraduate fashion, lots of folks socialize by attending football games, going to restaurants, or party hopping. While some students enjoy partying and drinking, there’s no pressure to do so and “if that’s not your style, there are plenty of others to spend time with.” One of the things that makes this campus so special is that “every single person has something that they are very passionate about.” This diverse mix of interests really contributes to the school’s vibrant and creative community.

“Berkeley’s greatest strengths are the amount of resources and opportunities it provides to students not only to allow them to explore numerous academic fields but to engage them in the community, in the country, and in the world.” “There are internship opportunities for students from all disciplines, both on campus and in the surrounding cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco.” “Research opportunities are abundant” and “the career center is amazing.” There are “endless options for student involvement” and employers like the school’s “prestigious” reputation. According to the website PayScale.com, the median starting salary for graduates is $72,600 and 51 percent of alumni find their jobs to be highly meaningful.