UCLA or Berkeley for undergrad physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between attending UCLA or Berkeley for undergraduate physics. Participants explore the implications of school choice on future opportunities, particularly in relation to social life and academic reputation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for UCLA due to social reasons but acknowledges Berkeley's strong reputation in physics.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about a friend who succeeded professionally after attending Berkeley, suggesting that school reputation can matter but is not the only factor.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the choice of undergraduate institution may not be as critical as commonly believed, citing examples of individuals who have transitioned successfully from less prestigious schools to top graduate programs.
  • Participants note the social environments of both schools, with one highlighting UCLA's appeal for its social scene and another mentioning Berkeley's cool living area.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the importance of school choice for undergraduate physics, with differing opinions on the significance of social factors versus academic reputation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and outcomes that may not be universally applicable, highlighting the subjective nature of the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective undergraduate students considering UCLA or Berkeley for physics, as well as individuals interested in the relationship between undergraduate education and future academic opportunities.

TheDude710
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Hello all, I have to decide between UCLA and berkeley for undergrad physics. I would rather go to UCLA for social reasons, but i know berkeley is a great school for physics(im sure UCLA isn't half bad either). My question is how important is the school for undergrad. i know for grad school the college really makes a difference but I am not sure for undergrad. Any help will be great.
 
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TheDude710 said:
Hello all, I have to decide between UCLA and berkeley for undergrad physics. I would rather go to UCLA for social reasons, but i know berkeley is a great school for physics(im sure UCLA isn't half bad either). My question is how important is the school for undergrad. i know for grad school the college really makes a difference but I am not sure for undergrad. Any help will be great.
A friend of mine got his physics degree at UC Berkely, but his CS master's degree at California State University at Chico. He has something like 8 US patents in his name through HP (where he works) the guy's pretty darn smart and a great dancer. :biggrin:

My ex left Yale to attend Dartmouth because it was more of a party school. He spent more time playing bleets than studying. Do you want to study or party?
 
For undergraduate work they are both great. LA has more hot girls. Berkeley is a really cool area to live in.

edit- Where you go for undergraduate study doesn't matter nearly as much as most people think. You can go to a mediocore college and, if you do really well, get into a top graduate program. My sister spent two years at a state college in Utah and two years at UCSC. She has a very nice fellowship at Yale right now.
 
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Thank for the opinions guys... and ucla does have hot girls
 

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