See what Students are Posting about University of California, Berkeley

Career Outcomes

Students regularly cite Berkeley's strong placement into tech, consulting, and graduate programs. The proximity to Silicon Valley and top-tier academic reputation are seen as strong advantages for internships and post-grad employment.

Career benefits are often cited as outweighing concerns about stress or size for those serious about certain industries.

Waitlist Navigation

Waitlist uncertainty is a frequent topic. Students share data from past years, strategies for accepting offers elsewhere while waiting, and advice on how to approach potential Berkeley admissions offers late in the cycle.

Academic Pressure

Stress culture, grade deflation, and competitive atmospheres are common concerns. Students note that Berkeley's rigorous environment may require careful time management and strong self-motivation.

Some prospective students question whether they are ready for the academic intensity and seek comparisons to other environments perceived as slightly more balanced.

Academic Prestige

Berkeley is viewed as one of the top public universities globally. Students recognize that its brand name carries weight, particularly in tech, engineering, and graduate school admissions.

Many students choosing Berkeley cite its reputation for academic rigor and world-class faculty, especially when evaluating options against UCLA, Emory, and private Ivies.

Campus Environment

Berkeley's urban setting, larger class sizes, and politically active culture are discussed openly. Students who prefer a quieter or more collaborative environment sometimes lean toward alternative UC options.

Despite the challenges, many acknowledge that Berkeley's environment fosters independence and resilience, valuable for future careers.

Financial Considerations

Affordability plays a critical role, especially for out-of-state students or those without significant aid. Students debate whether Berkeley's reputation justifies higher costs compared to private scholarships or better financial packages elsewhere.

Some conversations focus specifically on differences in total debt burden when comparing Berkeley to peer options.

STEM Program Strength

CS, EECS, and broader STEM disciplines dominate Berkeley-related conversations. Students highlight strong post-grad outcomes, research opportunities, and industry connections, especially in tech.

Berkeley's College of Engineering and College of Letters and Science CS programs are repeatedly discussed as highly competitive but leading to top employment outcomes.

Berkeley vs UCLA

Students often weigh Berkeley's perceived higher academic prestige against UCLA's more vibrant social scene and slightly less stressful academic culture.

Location differences (urban vs more suburban) and perceived competitiveness are discussed as meaningful factors in choosing between the two.