What is UC Berkeley best known for academically and socially?
I've been looking into UC Berkeley and I know it's a top school, but I'm a little confused about what exactly it's most famous for, both in academics and in campus life. I keep hearing different things—some people say it's best for engineering and computer science, but others mention political activism or business.
Is there something that makes Berkeley stand out more than other UC schools or other top universities? I'd also be curious to know if there are any traditions, clubs, or aspects of student culture that really set it apart. If anyone goes there or applied recently, your insights would be really appreciated.
Is there something that makes Berkeley stand out more than other UC schools or other top universities? I'd also be curious to know if there are any traditions, clubs, or aspects of student culture that really set it apart. If anyone goes there or applied recently, your insights would be really appreciated.
6 months ago
•
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Kathy Jayanth
• 6 months ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is renowned for both its academic rigor and its unique campus culture. Academically, it’s especially famous for its strength in several areas:
Engineering and computer science are probably its most globally recognized programs. The College of Engineering and the EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences) department consistently rank among the top in the world. Many tech leaders, especially those in Silicon Valley, have Berkeley ties—companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla employ lots of Berkeley grads.
Business (Haas School of Business) is another standout. Haas offers both respected undergraduate and MBA programs. Economics and biology are also very strong. The school was home to several Nobel laureates, and groundbreaking research is a constant across many departments.
But Berkeley is also a hub for the social sciences and humanities, especially in political science, sociology, and environmental studies. What sets it apart is a long legacy of activism. The Free Speech Movement in the 1960s, where students protested for civil rights and student free speech, started at Berkeley. This spirit of engagement is still strong—current students are active in causes ranging from climate change to social justice, and protests and rallies are part of the landscape.
Socially, the campus has a wide variety of clubs, from quirky to professional. The university’s traditions include events like “Big Game Week,” which is a spirit week before the Cal-Stanford football game, and the annual “Pappy’s Boys” spirit group. Rooftop “Sather Tower” sunset picnics are a casual favorite. There are co-ops, Greek life, and special interest housing, with a progressive, do-it-yourself vibe that’s not as common at other UCs. You’ll also find a lot of focus on entrepreneurship, with hackathons and startup incubators like SkyDeck.
One example that gives a taste of Berkeley’s culture: the “Berkeley Time,” which means classes traditionally start 10 minutes late, giving students time to get across the huge campus. It’s a small thing that reflects the relaxed-yet-intellectual attitude that many students love.
To sum up, what makes Berkeley stand out is the intense blend of academic excellence—especially in STEM, business, and social sciences—with a passionate, historically significant culture of activism, entrepreneurship, and campus traditions. It’s a place where you can find your people, whether you’re into AI research, advocating for change, or joining a Shakespeare improv troupe.
Engineering and computer science are probably its most globally recognized programs. The College of Engineering and the EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences) department consistently rank among the top in the world. Many tech leaders, especially those in Silicon Valley, have Berkeley ties—companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla employ lots of Berkeley grads.
Business (Haas School of Business) is another standout. Haas offers both respected undergraduate and MBA programs. Economics and biology are also very strong. The school was home to several Nobel laureates, and groundbreaking research is a constant across many departments.
But Berkeley is also a hub for the social sciences and humanities, especially in political science, sociology, and environmental studies. What sets it apart is a long legacy of activism. The Free Speech Movement in the 1960s, where students protested for civil rights and student free speech, started at Berkeley. This spirit of engagement is still strong—current students are active in causes ranging from climate change to social justice, and protests and rallies are part of the landscape.
Socially, the campus has a wide variety of clubs, from quirky to professional. The university’s traditions include events like “Big Game Week,” which is a spirit week before the Cal-Stanford football game, and the annual “Pappy’s Boys” spirit group. Rooftop “Sather Tower” sunset picnics are a casual favorite. There are co-ops, Greek life, and special interest housing, with a progressive, do-it-yourself vibe that’s not as common at other UCs. You’ll also find a lot of focus on entrepreneurship, with hackathons and startup incubators like SkyDeck.
One example that gives a taste of Berkeley’s culture: the “Berkeley Time,” which means classes traditionally start 10 minutes late, giving students time to get across the huge campus. It’s a small thing that reflects the relaxed-yet-intellectual attitude that many students love.
To sum up, what makes Berkeley stand out is the intense blend of academic excellence—especially in STEM, business, and social sciences—with a passionate, historically significant culture of activism, entrepreneurship, and campus traditions. It’s a place where you can find your people, whether you’re into AI research, advocating for change, or joining a Shakespeare improv troupe.
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Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
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