10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to UC Berkeley I COLLEGE ADVICE

[@kennethbobu3989]

Aside from the ignorant comments below about ANTIFA and Communists, there are some reflective and worthwhile thoughts expressed both in this video and among the commentators. I'm a Cal grad, and what is particularly interesting to me is that really quite little has changed about the fundamentals since when I attended and during Megan's time at Cal and in Berkeley. Simply put, Berkeley itself, the town, is depending on where you're coming from, indeed going to seem "sketchy." Safety for students has always been challenging, and that goes hand in hand with the character of an urban campus, inadequate and overpriced housing, and the limitations both impose on an idyllic undergraduate life. Some bemoan this, others claim it makes you stronger. Either way, it's good to know about it before accepting and deciding to attend Cal. Megan's also not wrong about the competitiveness. It doesn't stop with the application, nor does it become collegial once you pass under Sather Gate; rather, it intensifies. If you're looking for the bucolic campus life of an East Coast liberal arts school like Middlebury, or Bard, forget it. Cal is a brass knuckles old urban school, which isn't pretentious or pretty. It's a brain factory with limited capacity or patience for a soft and gentle approach. Here again, some bemoan this, others claim it makes you stronger. Either way, it's good to know about it before accepting and deciding to attend Cal. The curve... sigh... nothing new here, and it's true, there is a considerable grade deflation imposed on your work at Cal. Not only that, what Megan failed to note is that in comparison with the places your friends from high school decided to attend, the work effort to retain top grades is exponentially higher. We had to be smart to get in, and you can take that for granted. But the work effort to get a B, versus a B+, or an A- is far steeper than at most other schools, and that's in addition to the curve that may well have you delivering work that at USC or Stanford would be a guaranteed A+, but at Cal gets you a B-... Unfortunately, there's no way to paint a pretty picture around this, and it has nothing to do with who is in your classes, or whether you bust your butt... just understand that if you want top grades, there's a heavy price to pay socially and otherwise... I'm not going to delve into the positive angles, because everyone appreciates good stuff, but you need to be aware of the potential downsides of choosing Cal. One final thought I do have is this, attending an urban campus is quite different from an isolated self-contained campus. Since I did my graduate work at MIT, Cal was a perfect setting for yet another location with quite similar problems. In retrospect, I've often wondered if it might not have been more "fun" to attend school elsewhere, but given the degree to which "where" I attended school has been directly related to career success and acceptance internationally, it has been a faustian bargain that has worked in my favor; but it's not for everyone. Megan is 100% correct in pointing out that you should be reflective about the nature of your field of interest and endeavor. Look at the folks who have been in it and get a sense of whether Cal will help you join their ranks, or just be a hurdle along the way. Thanks for the vid, Megan, and Go Bears! :-)

[@saraajayi-dopemu7180]

don't forget that the SF bay area is the #1 most expensive place to rent places in the entire freaking USA.. sooo yeah don't underestimate that.

[@colbygranger2489]

Sara Ajayi-Dopemu no problem if you have a G.I. Bill ;) hooyah

[@chieallen3709]

Going to UC Berkeley was one of the great experiences of my life. I really loved it. Some might find extremely stressful, but what do you expect when you were chosen to attend one of the best universities in the world and are surrounded by the cream of the crop. I did not find it stifling,, I found it motivating. I had the advantage of having taken a year of school before coming to Berkeley, and perhaps the extra bit of experience and maturity help me to deal with it better than those who would simply come straight from high school. And I disagree with the notion of grade deflation. At Berkeley, your work is being judged against the other top students in the country. What is the alternative, give everybody an A because they’re at one of the great universities And should be rewarded? Perhaps it is more accurate to see an A at a lesser school as being an example of grade inflation. You do not have to be at the top of your class to be successful after graduating from Berkeley. Just graduate! The name goes along way and employers know how tough it is.

[@hizbawiserawit7109]

This is just the talk of optimistic man

[@jordigutierrez4161]

You seem like the type of bitch to cry over an A-

[@fauxpas4u]

thank u for this comment!

[@marinastella6613]

I know your comment is from a while ago but I was just admitted to Cal, but want to take a year off from school before going. Did you apply to Cal during your year off, or did you defer? I’m curious because I know that Cal rarely ever accepts defferals and would like to know how you were able to and what you told them?

[@virgilynabibas9445]

Hi Megan, I really appreciate your thoughtful review of the school (experience). Berkeley is a tough place to be. I am an alum from many years ago and I still remember some of the horrors til this day. I didn't live in the dorms because it was too expensive for me and my family. I had to live with 6 other people in a two bedroom apartment at one point on Telegraph Avenue. Life was just too challenging added to the challenges of academics. Hugs to you! I totally understand your sentiments. I want you to know that you still selected the best school ever! I want to comfort you by writing that you will get more than just a diploma at Cal. Berkeley will make you a better person by challenging and molding you outside of your comfort zone. Life in general is like Berkeley. I am a working professional now for a large engineering company. I always tell people that I learn how to stand up for what I believe in in Berkeley. That's where I developed my voice. I used to hate the constant protests on campus because I felt that they were too overused as a medium; or like I thought, we were a bunch of whiners mad about everything in the world. However, when I integrated in the adult world, I constantly find myself in situations where I have to stand up for myself: from answering the question why should we hire you? or negotiating for a better pay, etc. Berkeley prepared me to stick to my guns and to be steadfast! Lots of young adults these days are so weak in character especially in the areas of resilience, grit, and fortitude. Berkeley will make you tough. Trust me! Good luck and go bears!

[@quiet7632]

Well said.

[@quiet7632]

Berkeley changed me as a person. In a very good way. It's not easy, but either is life. It gave me the ability to just keep adjusting, while I got a world-class education. And then the joy of a gorgeous campus, great friends, great vibe and energy.

[@CaliforniaArchitect]

Another positive point that you overlooked is the fact that UC Berkeley has more academic programs ranked in the top 10 then there are at any other university. What that means is that undergraduates can take a wide variety of high quality courses as electives or for a minor.

[@susanhesse140]

I graduated with honors (with an English Lit. major in 1968). Although I found attending UC a challenging experience, primarily because I was working to pay my out-of-state tuition, I am immensely grateful to have completed my education at UC. I can truthfully say it was one of the very best experiences of my long life so far. Last, thanks, Ashley, for your articulate, lively and personable description.

[@daisyalvarez180]

I feel like everyone who goes to Berkeley lowkey despise it. I’m sure it’s a great college and the academics and the location are 10/10 but everyone who goes there who have a KZbin channel seem to regret it a bit

[@stevefischer9336]

Wrong I went there and loved it and had a successful career- Don't believe the whiners.

[@daisyalvarez180]

Luis Luis so what’s the point and difference of going to a UC or Cal state?? What about an Ivy League

[@kristenclure6660]

I'm a sophomore at Cal and I'm in love with it; it's not for everyone, but for me Berkeley is incredible.

[@runire4804]

I got in but decided not to for several reasons the video listed. I'm physically disabled, suffer extreme chronic pain, and need assistance that the office of disabilities threw in the towel about. I liked Cal Day, but of course, it's Cal Day, not what the school is really like.

[@tabithadoherty5526]

im currently a sophomore at berkeley and i love it so incredibly much. The problems mentioned are obviously there, but if you are on top of what you need to do and get ahead, the problems mentioned in this video are more annoying rather than problems. the common problems mentioned in most videos like this like the competitiveness is only noticed if you pay attention to other people and what they are doing. Focus on yourself and doing your best and you will be fine and have an amazing time

[@dianalopez9018]

I went on a tour of the UC Berkeley campus last year and fell in love with the whole vibe ! Considering your points I still hope to apply when I’m of age.

[@shimtest]

$700 a month for a bunk bed and sexual assault. Yup that's Berkeley

[@mathlover2299]

That's cheap

[@georgepolychronopoulos647]

GonzotheGonz1 I mean are you going to college to protest or study?😂

[@gordonliangmagic9292]

George Polychronopoulos ANTIFA attacks anyone who supports trump. Even if they aren’t protesting. Andy Ngo wasn’t even protesting when he was hospitalized by ANTIFA.

[@alexandercarnegie1175]

Currently a student at Cal, I'd do anything for my rent to be 700 a month.

[@lesliefranklin1870]

If/When you apply to a grad school, their admissions people will take the undergrad "grade deflation" into consideration. They know which schools do it.

[@berryOatmilk]

basically most of the uc schools lmaooo

[@LoyaFrostwind]

Cal was hard enough to get through in 1996 when I graduated. I can only imagine it's crazy now. Berkeley had rent control back then, but was cancelled a couple years later, around '97-'98? I didn't figure out HOW to study correctly until my junior year. I don't think i studied enough either. There were too many fun things to do on and around campus. Don't be ashamed to change your major. You may have to do that a few times as you discover that your talents don't lie in the field you originally started in. Be prepared to walk a lot! The campus is on a hill. Trying to get from one class to another in 10minutes, going uphill or clear to the other side of campus is challenging.

[@gltwn]

1998 was the last year of rent control

[@slamdunk406]

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Philosophy degree. I think your video is a fair and critical assessment of the school. I’m personally really glad I chose UC Berkeley now that I’ve gone through the gauntlet, but I can totally relate to the stresses and pressures that come from being a Cal student. Nicely done!

[@MeganAshley95]

Glad to hear that I made a fair assessment! Thanks for watching :)

[@slamdunk406]

Megan Ashley you are most welcome! Go Bears!

[@Randomguy-kn3nv]

Incoming junior at cal, housing is RIDICULOUS. Atmosphere is dense with the competitveness. Great vid btw

[@andrewrodriguez4516]

Hey im trying to transfer. Just curious what was your major and GPA? Thanks!!

[@meganlewis6000]

Hi Megan, thank you for your video. My daughter is currently trying to decide between UCB and Cal Poly SLO, two completely different vibes. Our first tour of UCB opened our eyes to some of what you mentioned and we will go back for Cal Day this weekend to get some more time there to help her make her decision.

[@mintchoco1849]

Thank you so much for this video! There are loads of videos about how great a university can be, but there are definitely cons to all college choices, and it is really great to get to hear about the negative side of it all. It's also great to be able to weigh the pros and cons with opinions from a current student. I can't thank you enough!

[@philyk.illagan3161]

I have finished my first year at L&S, intended computer science (read: instant ticket to pain), and I agree wholeheartedly with this video. However, I turned out completely fine in the end; it was mostly the midterms and projects that stressed me out. My social life is much better than it ever was. I am so glad I go to Berkeley.

[@omarcostilla8863]

I'm thinking about transfer applying to L&S with intent for Computer Science, but I'm worried about the reality of only being able to declare with a B+ average in the 3 intro courses. What's your take on this? Are most CS-intended students able to declare? Are the intro courses curved?

[@yoongi4243]

how hard is the program? Im planning to apply to the same one but I’ve struggled with calculus a bit

[@adrianzupp6533]

Unless you need a high GPA because you are going to grad school, or you're in a super-competive field and you know employers really scrutinize candidates, I'd say not to worry about grade deflation. I've worked as an editor, communications person, press officer, writer etc. I don't think I've ever had anyone check on my grades or GPA, and all things considered, I've been pretty successful at landing jobs. I just list my colleges (I did grad school) and area/s of study on my resume. In which case, a) you are getting better instruction, in general, than at other schools; and, b) your diploma says "Berkeley" and that will generally be noticed more than your GPA (which, as I've said, I don't disclose and have never been asked for). I was an exchange student at Cal in 1988. Back then it was awesome and I had the best experience of my life. Yes, there was crime and tons of street people and mentally ill people. But the street life was amazing with all kinds of characters around and even on campus. Blew my mind. I wasn't there long, but I totally immersed myself in the experience and paid attention to everything, so I remember it all clearly. In Australia, where I'm originally from, my colleges were very good but we tend to commute in Australia and not live on campus. In the US, I did my Master's at Uni of Colorado at Boulder as was very happy with the teaching in the writing dept. Also an awesome place to live. But again, this was some time back: 1995-7. It was becoming more populated even when I was there. A gem of a town that wasn't a secret anymore. Like any college, if you can go and actually see it for yourself, it's easier to make your decision. The housing in Berkeley sounds far worse now than when I was there -- and it wasn't great then. I think I read recently they've built some new freshman dorms. But housing might be a big challenge. One thing I'd stress is -- as far as it is in your control -- try to find roommates you are compatible with. I was initially in the dorms and my roommate was a nice guy but just impossible for me to live with. We were just really different. I ended up getting out of my housing contract (I had solid grounds for dispute due to a mess-up when I applied) and rented a room about 3/4 a mile from campus, in a woman's house just off Telegraph. It was quiet and worked out well. College can be a great time, so consider what you really want to get out of it, what type of person you are (ie what kind of environment suits you best in terms of location, academics, etc.), all the additional costs of living, WHAT THE PROFESSORS ARE LIKE IN THE AREA OF STUDY YOU PLAN TO MAJOR IN (if you know in advance), and the other things Megan mentions in her excellent video. Balance academics with enjoyment. It's four years of your life and shouldn't be all work and no play -- and definitely not all play and no work because you won't last long at Cal at all. Oh, and the campus itself is beautiful, in my opinion, and the social consciousness and history of free-thinking, debate and protest are things I loved. Really stimulating. I wish I could get in a time capsule and go back. Oh, and the other great thing about Cal: It isn't Stanford! :-) Take off that red shirt!!! Go Bears!

[@cameronhess5029]

Even 34-years ago it was surprising and different from where I grew up in Southern California in 1970's town that was still progressing toward becoming a city. At 18, I didn''t know it's a rough place, and the campus and community are both beautiful and ugly. I hated the first quarter, then fell in love with it literally the end of the last day. I began to experience 2-days-in-1 each day. It's expensive and being broke, I went from having a car in So. Cal. to walk, bus or take Bart and learned a lot about Nor. Cal. Honestly, I had to grow up a bit faster and had lost count of every problem I had to solve during the first 7 weeks just to make it. And, I learned no one will tell you "you are important" or to care why you are there, and yes, some of the instructors, even if you met with them every day, don't care who you are, and others who you saw less of cared a lot. I found Cal had all the resources needed - I just had to be aggressive and treat the entire campus - every library, every connection as an opportunity. I don't regret it, and it gave me the first opportunities - whether to start a publication, write, run for an office, start a social group or advocate before a committee.

[@mathlover2299]

I transferred last fall (18). I wish I knew that for Physics at least. The Physics program is no joke it is not 'easy' it is not 'hard' it is intense rigorous insanely difficult. I spend about 40 hours a week on homework and still struggle to get it in on time. The exams depend on the professor. My first semester I took the hardest professors in the department and I am surprised I am still going to Cal after that semester. But the exams are curved A LOT so you can bomb them and still get a B (which isn't bad this is not community college). Long story short Cal is a beast that will make most schools look like child's play. Do I regret going? That depends on the perspective, from a 100 miles away yes I am glad I go to Cal it is a great school and I will always be proud of that. Getting a 10% on a midterm (not the lowest in the class) makes me wish I went to UCSC or UCD. Either way if you get in and decide to go be aware that this is no joke it is not easy it is hard af. Side note in the physics department there is not a lot of super competitive people, we are all getting destroyed and we need to support each other on psets and emotionally.

[@马k]

Having worked in Berkeley, I understanding your concerns about the crimes occurring near the campus, unfortunately this is something that seems to happen near any major universities, UCLA, U of Wash, etc. It's the large victim pool who has all the latest gadgets and cool stuff. The robberies and theft of laptops/cellphones at College and Bancroft for example. To attract new students, many universities will down play the social ills around the campus. It sounds like you have more going for you than the negative. Good luck, you'll be fine. UCB is a good school and you'll grow from your academic and social experience. All the best.

[@donaldchen225]

I disliked Berkeley mainly because I’m from sf so it’s too close to home. I just graduated from Berkeley with an economics degree but I would def say it’s a good school and I would have liked it a lot had it been farther from where I’m from. I wish I was abit more motivated when at school and actually considered what I was interested in. I majored in economics because I thought it was not too difficult of a major yet very practical and desired by employers. to all those considering schools, I highly suggest you do a lot of research on what you are genuinely interested in studying rather than just choosing schools for their name.

[@donaldchen225]

and yes Berkeley’s grade deflation is really annoying. Other than it’s location, that’s prob the #1 issue with Cal

[@CiaraITB]

So you went to Hass?

[@vandres493]

Nice video! I totally agree with your comments about having some of the top people in their field teaching you. I'm a senior transfer student and sometimes I've just been in awe of the community/ academic work/ research that's gone on at this school in just the last two years. It can be pretty inspiring.

[@123ucr]

After seeing your video, if I were accepted into UC Berkeley, I would not attend. Don't get me wrong, UC Berkeley is a prestigious and a highly competitive university. UC Berkeley's prestige is nearly on par with the Ivy League universities and Stanford and MIT and Caltech. However, UC Berkeley may not be the right choice for many students. Here are my reasons: 1. If you are enrolled in a competitive major like STEM (mainly Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering), Business (mainly Accounting, Analytics and Finance) and Economics and Political Science (mainly for people who want to go to law school), prepare to work really hard. Even if you pass your classes, you still have to do about average academically (compared to the other students at UC Berkeley) or better to get admitted into some programs like the pre-Medical program or Business school. If you don't do that, you could probably kiss your dream major and perhaps dream job goodbye. 2. You will probably make friends and rivals at the same time. What do I mean by that? I mean you could have friendly relationships with people especially if they are in your major. However, your friends could also be your rivals. They are trying to build their impressive resumes so they can get into post-university and/or get prestigious/lucrative job offers in the future. Sometimes, they might use dirty tactics to achieve their goals like erasing material to help with midterms and finals and/or cheating on a professional level without a professor finding out. My advice when making friends at Berkeley or any college is to know them really well. If their traits are mostly positive, then I would be friends with those people. Conversely, if their traits were hideous, I would not hang out with these people. 3. If anyone is a conservative, Republican or libertarian, prepare to have your political views lampooned by the vast majority of students and college professors at UC Berkeley. Heck, the Bay Area is just as liberal as UC Berkeley. FYI, my political views are middle of the road and I am open minded. Having said that, if anyone has right leaning views and you are passionate about them and you like being a contrarian, then have fun at UC Berkeley. But, don't say I warned you. 4. UC Berkeley is not well known for their athletics. If you want a university that is good at athletics, UC Berkeley is not the place. Heck, UCLA and Stanford are better choices for athletics. 5. If UC Berkeley does not fit your geographic location, you might want consider attending another university. Also, if you like living in a smaller campus, you might also want to consider attending another university. Not to mention, UC Berkeley is pretty racially, religiously and economically diverse. If you don't like diversity, don't bother attending UC Berkeley or any UC school for that matter. For example, if you are an African American and you like attending a historically African American college, you might want to go to Howard University. If you are a Mormon, you might want to go to BYU. Bottom line, UC Berkeley is not right for everyone. If anyone is admitted to UC Berkeley, think three times before you make your decision on whether it is worth it or not. Once you have made your decision, there is no turning back. FYI, I graduated from UC Riverside in 2015 with an Economics degree with a bit of a concentration in Mathematics. Plus, even if I wanted to attend UC Berkeley, my high school resume for college would not be good enough to get into UC Berkeley back then and certainly not now.

[@BeautyByRi868]

this was so informational, thankyou! im graduating in 2019 and it's nice to get not only the positive perspective on berkley but a negative as well!

[@comfortwithincreativity4860]

hey megan!!! thank you so much for everything you do for the UC Berkeley student population!

[@krystal6740]

My sister just transferred to Berkeley and she’s a junior. She loves it.

[@deecappelli4934]

Thank you SO much! The last comment on the list was the most helpful to me. You put a lot into this video, Megan.

[@bittertea]

Safety? Ummm~ been to USC?

[@jgb1214]

Beautifully said ! Wow, only motivates me further towards attending this school!

[@DerekMckean]

Colleges on Washington state are less rigorous compared to California. In fact, if you have a transfer AA, you are guaranteed admission to 1 of the universities. California has no such rule for automatic admission, unless you are an international student. My parents went to UC Berkley back in the days when it was cool. It's sad to hear that the nearby vicinity is going downhill. You see, when it comes to the UC system, it's the most competitive and the chances of being admitted us next to none if you barely meet the admission requirements. In the state of Washington, the hardest school to get in would either be Udub (University of Washington --Seattle). Gonzaga is like our USC as well and is much more expensive than the Udub. In the Washington college system, you can forget EWRT 1A+1B+1C. In most Washington universities, we have am English Composition 1 and a Research Composition essay course. There is no required equivalent to that of a literature class. You can take Introduction to Literature or Intro to fiction as credit toward the distribution GE requirements. However, Intro to Literature is not part of a required English sequence to graduate. However, if you do transfer from a college in Washington state to the the UC system, SOMETIMES 1A+1B+1C credit will be granted if the student took Intro to Literature. I took Intro to Literature so it was applied to my humanities since our transfer AA'S only require English 101 and 102. In fact, our English 101 has not required curriculum, so we read mostly fictional works in my 101 class. And my 101 class required no research essays. That's what English 102 is designed for. Students who don't want to transfer to a university aren't required to take English 102, just 101. However, in my 101 class, the final essay was done in class in a traditional college blue book. California's system kind of combines 101 and 102 into their EWRT 1A buy with a shorter research essay but then goes into greater detail with EWRT 1B. I think u the way we have set things up in the state of Washington fur community colleges makes more sense. Since vocational AA degrees won't require research essays, it makes sense to not require English 101 students to write a documented research.. in fact, you don't even need English 101 in order to take literature classes. You only need to be placed into English 101.

[@katiedaisy898]

Anti-Berkeley Berkeley club

[@MeganAshley95]

Katie Sanko where do you meet? 😂

[@johnkrebs3198]

I'm a member of the Cal class of 1972. I loved it. I wish I could go back and do it again.

[@le_th_]

Excellent points. I went to Cal ('07). I loved my classes and most of the professors. I only had one really misogynistic asshole professor, but he was emeritus, so he's probably dead by now 11 years later. The area is definitely dangerous. Berkeley is positioned between two high crime areas of Richmond and Oakland. Housing is BEYOND a nightmare...difficult to obtain and absurdly expensive. Parking is a daily nightmare, even if you park a mile away from campus. It can be competitive, so if you're emotionally sensitive or easily intimidated or frightened, this is not the place to be. You rarely see kids smiling, not even the day everyone returns from Spring Break. Seriously. Spring Break isn't about having fun, it's about having a week off from class to study and do research. Seriously. The administrators are a pain in the ass, some of them are deeply insecure because they think you're smarter than they are, and any problem you have must be handled between 9-5 which is the only hours classes are taught. There are a few good admins. The good parts are... The air is fresh compared to cities like NY or LA (I lived in both cities for 10 years each). The education is solid and lectures are always given by professors who are top in their field. If I had it to do over again, I would select another school, not because of the education (which was stellar) but because of the others reasons listed (and the SF Bay area and people just suck...and I've lived here for 13 years now). EDIT: It's important to mention that cafe robberies of laptops has been normative around campus, and even on the island of Alameda (15 drive away). What is a cafe robbery? People on foot survey cafes for people with expensive computers and expensive cell phones, and one or more assailants strike at once, collectively snatching the most desired computers and smartphones and jumping into a nearby waiting car and driving away. This has been happening regulary since 2004. Criminals actually come to the Cal campus to target students, to break into cars parked along the campus perimeter (looking for computers or book bags), and especially to sexually prey on intoxicated students.

Hello from Richmond! I personally am very happy that criminals think that all the good scores are to be found in Berkeley. Everyone has guns in Richmond. It's not a safe place for a smash n' dash crew of 3rd rate criminals. Rent a cheap place in richmond, and expensive parking at campus door. Girls drive, this is no place to walk or do public trans. Carry bear repellent. Spray 1st, ask later, lay low. 1000's of campus bikes are in richmond, all that were locked w/cables and chains. A krytonite style lock is required.

[@More_Row]

Can I ask what the professor did to you. The misogynistic one that you think is dead.

[@le_th_]

@eviltreemonster Do you think I just made all of that up??? You can look p the crime statistics for yourself and come to your own conclusion. It's not like pre-Giuliani NY in the 70s-80s or anything. It's not a war zone or refugee camp. It's also not for the gullible, weak, naive, or anxious individual. This is an urban environment. Even the police website will tell you that, as will the campus website. If you can't do urban, this probably isn't the place for you.

[@le_th_]

@eviltreemonster I see. I would never send my teen to Cal, but that's just me. If they grew up in a big city, or in a dangerros environment where they had to grow up very street smart, that's a different story, but if they're suburban or small town kids that aren't very world-wise or street savvy, I'd look elsewhere. I lived 9 years (alone and on my own) in Manhattan before moving to Berkeley, so it was easy by comparison. What made it easy it that if you can survive in Manhattan by yourself for that many yars, most everywhere else (except a war zone) is easy by comparison. It's my personal opinion that no teenager has any business being in the geographic region without their parents very nearby. Still, do your own research. Only you know what will work for you and your family.

[@le_th_]

@eviltreemonster Also, I still live here now...as in as I'm typing this. I still don't recommend it after living here since 2005.

[@cece8309]

thank you for this vid! im going to be in the college of natural resources this fall and im so excited : )

[@wmtrader]

turn the music volume down

[@SajjaadKhader]

Nice video! I make similar ones on Georgia Tech, so it's really cool to see this!

[@matchayokkann]

so much transparency and useful info. thank you, subscribed!

[@lukechung5020]

Want go to Berkely, but considering all the stuff that has happened with Ben Shapiro, Milo Yiannopoulos and ANTIFA pisses me off. This isn't even a political issue. It's a safety issue and Berkely isn't doing enough to protect their students and staff. I don't want to go to a school where I'm fearing for my safety. At the same time, Berkely is a wonderful campus and has a very good computer science course in which I'm interested in. Nice video and I will definitly take your advice to heart.

[@electricresonanz1158]

That was a really well thought list! Thank you so much!

[@daisyalvarez180]

Btw you’re really pretty! Not just your appearance, your mind too.

[@kerrynewman1221]

Great talk. 1984 Cal graduate, Electrical Engineering. Transfer student from a close community college in my hometown San Pablo 10 miles north. Lived home with my parents. Pluses and minuses for Berkeley. Academics, yes. Politics No!!

[@johnh7784]

Carbon dioxide (chemical formula CO 2) is an acidic colorless gas with a density about 53% higher than that of dry air. Carbon dioxide molecules consist of a carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms. Is there any work being down in this area? Oxygen on its own shouldn't be much of a problem surely!

[@TaylorsOfficialMusic]

I was accepted into the college of chemistry for chemical engineering this year. I'm debating between cal and ucla. I'm drawn into berkeley because of the prestigious ranking for college of chem, but I'm really scared about the competition/grade deflation and environment (I am a super tiny fragile girl HAHA). Are you happy with your choice?

[@MeganAshley95]

I am happy with my choice in that I’m studying environmental science so I don’t necessarily get as much of the competition. Engineering is really tough here and I know a lot of the students talk about being miserable. That being said, no matter where you go engineering will be difficult. Definitely research average GPAs at UCLA and engineering there. Visit both schools and look at the overall picture of both schools and find which one you think will be the best for you overall. UCLA is amazing school! Either way you’re set :)

[@marshmallowlee3253]

Megan Ashley what about art and humanities film and media department?? Is it very competitive like others??

[@HamajiGotTalent]

TaylorsOfficialMusic It's funny reading your comment because lowkey I'm hoping you go to UCLA as I'm waitlisted for ChemE at Cal. Regardless, good luck choosing and you'll be awesome wherever you go with the right mindset!

[@TaylorsOfficialMusic]

Ali Jumah HAHA aw man I hope you get off the waitlist! Well see and thanks

[@angelaea4781]

college of chem is kinda depressing/lot of work, but if you really love chemistry and are set on chemE, I think you will like it if you work super hard. Grade deflation is real.

[@vanessavillanuevacollao2439]

the curve is definitely a point many would like to know before applying for Berkeley, even if you do a lot of efforts you can get a pass. Regarding the other stuff I do not see any unsafe environment, the police alerts are annoying but neither do I or any of my colleagues (we were 100) had any problem, just be aware about those risks and try to be safe. Is not a party college!

[@Hipnoptica]

8:02 Hi, there! I'm also a major at CNR, I saw you mentioned you took Conservation Biology. Was Steven Beissenger your prof for that class? I took class with him and I literally had the same experience as you, I read and article by him and I was so fascinated I was being taught by him. 💜

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

Weather in the East Bay is some of the best in the nation. Nice mild summers and cool but not often cold winters. NO SNOW! The city is expensive and getting more and more crowded. Parking is a problem and drivers are just awful. Gasoline highest prices in the country. Big homelessness problem.

[@joshuacrommie6249]

I live in Berkeley the area around UC Berkeley is super nice its one of the nicest areas in the Bay Area.

[@sleepyvillain44]

Off the subject, who's music is playing throughout and at the end? Thanks for the vid, really informative. :)

[@MrfeelingGoods]

"10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to UC Berkeley. Number 1. Don't go to Berkeley."

[@isaelcorona8262]

How’s the math department at Berkeley? I am a math major looking to transfer to Cal. Is it cut throat for upper division math classes?

[@MeganAshley95]

No idea! Not a math major, sorry about that

[@youfoundwaldo77]

I've lived in the Bay area my entire life and I've been to Berkley/Oakland/sf literally hundreds of times. There's a certain kind of lifestyle and vibe around there that you either love or hate. It is EXTREMELY sketchy. As soon as you walk off the campus you are in the danger zone. Just getting on the Bart to get to SF is scary sometimes. I personally don't like the area, might just be because I'm from here and I'm over it. Other than that it's a super cultural and ethnic place to be and there's tons to do and see.

[@lisah517]

Berkeley ppl are smart. you can tell just by looking at them.

[@ivanferraz8914]

Excellent video Megan. I am from Brazil and I will be a visiting PhD student there at UC Berkley for 6 months (July 2023 to Jan 2024). Could you please give me some contacts of places or families that rent dorms near Berkeley campus? I can pay monthly approx. 700 usd. Do I have to pay 2 months in advance from Brazil before getting there? I am afraid of paying and when I get there, the apt doesn't exist.

[@sandram406]

What were the other colleges that you were accepted to, and knowing what you know now, would you still have chosen Berkeley, or would you have chosen a different school and if so, which one?

[@MeganAshley95]

I might make a video later about which colleges I got into, but I applied to 5 California schools including Cal Poly SLO and Davis. I got into all of the schools I applied to. Knowing what I know now I would've more heavily considered Davis and UCLA. I wouldn't say that I would necessarily have chosen another school, but I wish I wouldn't have let the name "Berkeley" take my attention away from other factors which may have changed my perspective.

[@johannaneggie4850]

Would you consider making a video on your college process experience and your experience in the environmental science department at Berkeley? If not, is there any way I could get in touch with you? (I have sooo many questions lol) I'm a junior right now and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go to Berkeley for their environmental science department. Also, what other universities were you accepted to that had more applicable classes to the environmental field (maybe I'll apply to those colleges then haha). Hopefully you see this, I really would appreciate it!!!

[@MeganAshley95]

Johanna Neggie most definitely! I will make a video on how I got into Cal/my experience of CNR!

[@del_gato]

I would also love for you to make a video on CNR because you seem to the only youtuber that goes to Berkeley and is in CNR! I would really appreciate it since I'm attending Cal this fall :)

[@wascallywabbit3372]

Checking out multiple schools good advice. Better than so many other ones.

[@mr.ericevanzhaoba7413]

Nice tips, thanks! Just accepted my offer today. See you around the campus!

[@Sushimada]

(Going to be) junior at Cal here. Nooooo what have you doneeee. JK I’m (half) memeing, hope you have a good time here

[@MichelleLinmichellinman]

Thank you for this! It helped me a lot with my decision!

[@MeganAshley95]

That’s awesome ! Glad it was helpful :)

[@isaiahjones8215]

got accepted into Berkeley but i decided to go to LSU & this video makes me think i made a good choice

[@perocomopuede]

Megan, my daughter is gong to Berkeley in the School of Natural Resources in the Fall. PLEASE expand on what area you are now interested in studying that Cal is not offering. Also, does grade deflation exist in all areas of study or mostly STEM classes? Thank you so much for making this video and answering my question.

[@MeganAshley95]

Hi! I will be making a Berkeley Q&A within the next few weeks. Stay tuned !

[@shouselawgroup5627]

Berkeley's vibe is competitive? Try going to a top-tier law school.

[@MeganAshley95]

Already at one :)

[@unknowndeoxys00]

I hear so much prestigious praise from employed, established old people about Berkeley, but from a student's perspective I also heard it's fairly miserable. Intense classes and people taking their adderall to just survive each day 😶 College wasn't, and is not necessarily, supposed to be easy, but sometimes I question if it really needs too be that hard for our generation of undergraduates. I'm thinking about my master's one day, and wondering if the experiential gap in years of being a grad student might alter the perspective of being an undergrad struggling/working your ass off in school?

[@HarrietShearsmith]

This is a fab video, thanks for sharing!

[@farnazansari9697]

Hi, I really got impressed by your video! At first, I should say that you are really beautiful inside & out! I live in Iran & actually, I have not registered for the IELTS & GRE yet bc it's too soon but I'm gonna start going to their classes this summer and I am a third-year student of Industrial engineering and my GPA up to now is about 18.5 of 20. I know even if I earned good scores in both IELTS & GRE, I would not have this chance of getting into Berkeley with a fund. It is really tough! But it's my dream and I really want to be in connection with you to ask my whole coming questions about there and all of your experiences through going there and other universities. I consider Northeastern University for Master and I hope I get fund and maybe I can get into Berkeley for Ph.D. but honestly, I got stressed by the cons you mentioned. Do you think I would have this chance of getting into there? I am so stressful and dreadfully scared of the current competition existed there. Can I send an email to you? Would you respond? I do not have your email indeed! :))))

[@krimmy8459]

Hey!,just wanted to tell you that UC schools don't often give scholarships to international students ....so that may be something you might need to think of .....Or you can just do more research tho...

[@heidil7233]

Hi! I just watched all your videos and I love your channel already! Could you please do a Q&A or a get to know me video? I'm just curious about your experience at Berekley (like if you're in a sorority or your thoughts about social activities on campus).

[@MeganAshley95]

Hi! Thank you so much I'm glad you like it! I'll definitely do a Q&A. Be on the lookout for it. I'll post it next week!

[@WendyGonzalezmed]

Great video and awesome channel ! 👧🏽👧🏽👧🏽🤗🤗🤗keep doing what you are doing

[@wholelottapain8130]

I’m trying to transfer to this school. I’m majoring in economics and I really hope I get in this school. I’ll come back to this comment if I get in. I’m going to speak it into existence and work hard. I’m going to get into this school!

[@Emily-sz7nd]

Howd it go

[@jb6167]

The whole Bay Area is way over priced with a ridiculous homeless problem. Get your degree and move somewhere affordable / normal. Glass half full though, there is the BART.

[@pammy3139]

ooof i'm scared about the grade deflation >_< do you happen to know any english majors? and their experience? great video btw

[@MeganAshley95]

pammy I think I met one or two during orientation but I haven’t kept up with them. You should try coming to Cal day. Maybe they’ll have a panel!

[@SPEWbooksandthings]

One of my best friends from high school came to Cal with me as an intended English major and actually switched to a Comparative Literature major. Apparently the department is a lot smaller and therefore really caring of the students in it. I don't personally know any English majors so I don't say that to deter you from it so much as I know that there is a super great parallel option if English doesn't work out for you!

[@kevinrosenberg4368]

I've never heard of or seen grade "Deflation" at Berkeley, and I'm a CS and Math-focused major. I don't know if Megan is implying that if you get like a raw 90 in a class, then you might not get an A, but this will definitely not happen in my experience (both the getting the raw 90, and the deflation). Most of the technicals are curved pretty generously. Those that are not usually have a decent amount of free points to make up for the difficult exams.

[@chl03.88]

Just got into Cal as a Regents scholar (yay!) but since I want to attend grad school, I am really nervous about the grade deflation part. When I went to visit the campus, one student told me that the grade deflation isn't that bad for grad school (not med or law, just regular higher education) because colleges know about cal's grade deflation and will take that into consideration. Is this true?

[@talulajones2731]

Hi! I'm deciding between Cal and UCLA. I'm not much of a party girl but I love making new friends n stuff. I want to maybe do an environmental studies/ Spanish major. I hear everyone at Berkeley is very depressed. :< Are you happy there? How are your friends? Good luck on all your tests and be safe!

[@MeganAshley95]

Hi! Thank you for your questions, stay tuned this week I’ll answer them in my Q&A :)

[@stevenpiasecki5356]

I graduated last year and I wouldn't say everyone is depressed- different majors have different course loads, expectations, etc so just make sure you ask people in the major what it's like. Also for what it's worth, I have friends who were Spanish majors and they loved everything about it.

[@cobes11]

I graduated Ivy League in 2009 with 125k debt. I will recommend what I can almost guarantee that you have never received this advice: get something practical! Never get a pure science degree; get the most closely related engineering degree. Second, ALWAYS get a concentration in comp science whether it is a second major, a minor, a certificate, or concentration. A bachelor in comp sci is more valuable than a Wharton MBA in most job fields.

[@ON1C]

Definitely go to UCLA. Obviously saying everyone is depressed is false because I am sure there is at least one person who is not depressed and goes to Berkeley. However I can say, as a Berkeley student, that almost all my friends who go there including myself hate it and are depressed.

[@charliewang5161]

Great video!! Keep it up!!

[@techontrack4250]

On a related note you look like Emma Watson with blonde hair in the thumbnail.

[@mohammedtahseen2673]

Does Berkeley count freshman year of high school???

[@fiat_lux0]

What classes are more laid back in CNS? I've heard toxicology is not that difficult.

[@MeganAshley95]

I wouldn’t say that it’s not that difficult ... you still have to take organic chemistry and you’re going to be in classes with competitive pre-med students.

[@ishamayor9501]

Hi, thanks for the video! What do you mean that Berkeley does not offer the contemporary college experience?

[@MeganAshley95]

Hi! I will answer this question in my Q&A next week. Stay tuned it'll be up soon

[@cathvong]

Just got accepted as a transfer and this video scares me so much....

[@rickli9662]

Same...

[@lolar7707]

were you stopped at the no white people in class riot? or were you not attending that year.

[@phantompinoy]

How do you feel about the violent protests that occur there?

[@MarkFisher-ox6lx]

after watching people shit on the side walks, shooting up drugs on the side walks and a few police chases, I decided to go to a REAL collage out east that do not have safe spaces or cry rooms

[@edwinfranco__]

I love Berkeley !! 🔥🔥🔥

[@nsaitemko1704]

Thanks this video is super helpful!

[@miya3677]

i wish i'd seen your video before i submitted my SIR. hopefully, this video will help others

[@bobbyjohnson2676]

How hard is their Applied Math program?

[@__-qf9fm]

Give me a break. Every school has these problems to some degree.

[@karawild1433]

Nearly a 20-year alum of UC Berkeley. I can recall encountering some of what was discussed here, especially the not considering other schools' course materials. I thought Berkeley's English program would allow for more original/creative writing. Boy was I wrong. One aspect I didn't see: you will feel anonymous, and no one in the administration or your specialization will help you unless you aggressively seek help, something that many 18-20 year olds aren't comfortable doing. Maybe the school has become more nurturing since then.

[@duchessofessex2550]

Thank you for your honesty

[@MahlenMorris]

Interesting! It's a little surprising that so much focus is on how easy or supportive it is there. I'm curious about other parts of your experience. Do you feel like you are learning at the peak of your ability? I mean, if you're paying as much in time and money as one does there, are you getting what you want out of it? If you didn't want to be challenged and made to work hard and learn as much as you could, you wouldn't go to UCB, right? So, is that working? I graduated from UCB in 1989, and I gotta say, I wish I'd spent less time in my own drama and more on learning. It's truly rare in life to be able to devote a vast chunk of time to just learning stuff; I wish I'd taken better advantage of that fact. Though living in the student co-ops (which I hear is tough to get into these days), I did learn a lot about living and working with other people. Skills that suited me well in my software engineering career. Also, do go see things at Zellerbach and Berkeley Rep and so on! There are world-class performances there and you get a wicked discount. Enjoy the Bay Area.

[@MeganAshley95]

It’s an amazing school and I’m sure once I graduate I’ll be more grateful for it. It’s just the aura surrounding campus and the way the administration treats the students that really gets to me. Berkeley has amazing learning opportunities and I’ve learned so much and met some great people. I’ve been challenged which is great but I’m used to challenging myself and it’s like being challenged with 400 other stress factors. So I just think I may have been HAPPIER somewhere else. Then again college is not solely about happiness it’s also about preparation for your future. So it’s always a trade-off!

[@MahlenMorris]

It's likely true that one of the things a challenging environment may teach you is how to better deal with a challenging environments. :) I definitely learned that the habits that got me through high school were really incredibly inadequate for Berkeley. I hate to admit how long it took me to figure that out, though. I admit, I was very well done with school after my BA, so I understand that it's not the happiest experience. Paying people to (it felt like) insult me did wear me down. (Of course, what I then took as insults were really (mostly) useful guidance.) Ten years ago my wife (who went to Berkeley in the 70's) went back to grad school elsewhere, and, man, I was not envious :) On the other hand, it did lead to a new career for her, which she has enjoyed. And while I can't say at this distance if this is happening, there is the risk of "maximizing vs satisficing". At the level you're playing life at (that is, very high), there will always be minor tradeoffs. But at some point, aiming for some likely-mythical perfection can blind you to the beauty and joy around you. This happens to all of us. While I'm mystified why KZbin recommended your video to me, I'm glad it did. Good luck!

[@rohanramgude7874]

I'm the 79th subscriber :D

[@MeganAshley95]

Yay! Thanks so much! :)

[@imranshah4076]

I got in to Berkeley too.

[@User84030]

Sounds like you regret your choice

[@MeganAshley95]

Maybe I’ll make a video talking about whether or not I regret it! Hahah

[@napoleoniv9730]

* How are you? I say M this week. Do you have popsicles?

[@MrMiniPancakes]

im trying to transfer... its stressful for those grades

[@kentucky_188]

Move to the Midwest, everything out in California is so expensive

[@jackylin6525]

Like ur video, hope u keep uploading

[@jesusbarrios1191]

Awesome video! It was really helpful! I was just accepted into the college of environmental design. Do you know any architecture majors and what their experience has been like?

[@MeganAshley95]

I don't! However I believe JKbeauty03 on youtube is a sustainable design major so you should check out that channel. I know some people who have taken city planning classes and landscape architecture classes and they said they were really enjoyable :)

[@jesusbarrios1191]

Megan Ashley Thanks for replying! I’ll be sure to check out her channel.

[@SPEWbooksandthings]

Hi there! I'm a student at Cal and I have taken some courses in the college of environmental design. Although I am not specifically in the college and will not be majoring in architecture, I was struck by the amazing creativity and innovation that characterizes the courses. I thought the students in my discussion sections in those courses were actually especially motivated and interesting, and two of my good friends who are actually in majors in the college seem to be doing really cool things/are loving it!

[@ashleylandicho6992]

Hi Jesus! I have been going to CED as an arch major for 1 year now (junior transfer student / upcoming senior) and just be warned: buy bristol paper for a majority of your projects; message me on facebook if you want advice!

[@ashleylandicho6992]

Btw you're gonna be spending wayyy more money than other majors because of studio; expect to make prints every week. Make sure to get sleep at home; spent way too many all nighters sleeping on campus in 100a. Not worth it. Also be well versed in Rhino if you're not already, and consider doing projects in Revit also. Make friends in studio otherwise you won't make it! My experience has been mixed. Fall sucked, Spring was awesome. If you want more info message me at [e-mail]

[@daisyloya2165]

Hi! Decision day is approaching quickly and I'm beginning to panic ha. I got accepted into UC Davis and UC Berkeley's CNR. I want to pursue Environmental Science but i also want to look at English and possibly minor in an area within English. I need help choosing bewteen these 2 amazing schools. UC Davis is the best school for environmental science, and has a wonderful campus. UC berkeley is extremely competitive, and crowded. I have anxiety and im scared that the environment at Berkeley will be all too overwhelming. It is an honor to have gotten acceoted into Berkeley and thus i dont want to lose this opportunity because i may not get this opportunity ever again. I dont know if i am discrediting myself, and should have more faith in myself and stop making excuses to not go to Berkeley (bc i think it'll be too challenging) or of my mental health might actually be affected. On that note, Davis' sounds so much more chill. Sure, Davis will still be challenging and competitive butt not as "cut throat" as Berkeley. I would greatly appreciate your help and feedback. Thank you for the video and your time, Daisy.

[@MeganAshley95]

Daisy Loya hi! Berkeley actually has the top school in the world for environmental science, but Davis is great as well. I believe they’re the 4th. Davis is more chill and everyone I know who went there loved it! I don’t know about Berkeley and writing tbh. CNR is great and I love CNR. It’s really one of the main reasons I chose Berkeley. If you want a more chill experience with a good education then go to Davis. If you want an extreme challenge then choose Berkeley. It’s all about what you can handle and what you want. Good luck! Wherever you go you will be fine.

[@user-lu6yg3vk9z]

KZbin these videos before you choose. Arron Claery worthless, Peter Schiff Colleg.

[@popcornfury9095]

1. You said that the city was "sketchy" - do you know if that varies by gender? Do males tend to find it safer? 2. How cutthroat are the physics, math, or engineering majors? 3. Is the environment as hostile towards conservatives or libertarians as is often portrayed in media? Thanks for an informative video.

[@MeganAshley95]

I’ll answer these in my upcoming Q&A! Thank you for the questions!

[@simetry6477]

There are homeless in the surrounding area, and if you follow telegraph or further down san pablo, you will end up in oakland and industrial areas where there again poverty increases.

[@zeyna1881]

Very helpful, thanks

[@stevefischer9336]

For every whiner understand that perhaps 100,000 have graduated from there happily.

[@napoleoniv9730]

Aries, tumeric Dow, arm F111s with machine bb guns.