Which is better: UCLA or UC Berkeley?
I’m currently a junior and I’m starting to think about where I want to apply. Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are on my list, but I keep hearing mixed things about which one is “better.”
For anyone who’s attended or knows a lot about the schools, what’s the real difference between the two? I’m interested in majoring in Biology, but I also care a lot about the campus vibe and extracurriculars.
Are there certain things that make one stand out academically or socially over the other? I’d love to hear about anyone’s experiences with the professors, research opportunities, and maybe even the housing situation. Any advice would really help as I try to figure out which might be the right fit for me!
For anyone who’s attended or knows a lot about the schools, what’s the real difference between the two? I’m interested in majoring in Biology, but I also care a lot about the campus vibe and extracurriculars.
Are there certain things that make one stand out academically or socially over the other? I’d love to hear about anyone’s experiences with the professors, research opportunities, and maybe even the housing situation. Any advice would really help as I try to figure out which might be the right fit for me!
4 months ago
•
41 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Deciding between UCLA and UC Berkeley is a classic challenge—both are top-tier public universities with strong academic reputations, especially in STEM fields like Biology. On paper, you’ll find both programs are excellent: each offers outstanding research opportunities, renowned faculty, and strong placement into graduate/professional programs.
Academically, Berkeley has a slight historical edge in biological sciences (its programs often rank higher nationally), and it’s particularly strong in areas like molecular biology and genetics. There’s a strong culture of academic rigor and an emphasis on research—students often get involved in labs early, though this can also mean a more competitive atmosphere. At UCLA, the life sciences are also highly respected (and expanding quickly), and the university is known for having a more collaborative and supportive environment among undergrads. UCLA’s proximity to the medical center also gives biology majors good access to clinical and biomedical research experiences.
Campus vibe is pretty different. Berkeley’s campus has a more urban, eclectic, and activist feel. There’s a lot going on politically and culturally—think coffeehouses, protests, street performances. It can feel a bit more intense or intellectually challenging, in a good way if that’s what you’re looking for. UCLA, on the other hand, feels more traditional and classic collegiate, with beautiful weather year-round, lush quads, and a more laid-back social scene. Social life is strong at both, but at UCLA you’ll find the campus more centralized and residential, which can make it easier to make friends and get involved in clubs.
Extracurriculars are robust at each school: clubs, student government, volunteering, Greek life—whatever your interest, you’ll find options. Housing can be tricky at both. UCLA has made big improvements in guaranteed housing for undergrads and new dorm construction (many students stay on campus 3-4 years). Berkeley’s housing is often more competitive, with more students living off-campus after the first year, sometimes commuting from farther away.
As an example, a former UCLA student shared that being so close to major hospitals made it easy to intern during the academic year; meanwhile, a friend at Berkeley mentioned the value of the sheer research funding and being able to approach professors for independent projects—though it was sometimes harder to stand out among so many high-achieving classmates.
If possible, try to visit both campuses—you’ll get a real sense of which atmosphere fits you. Academically, you can’t go wrong with either for Biology. The right choice might come down to which city and culture you enjoy more, how you learn best, and what type of social and extracurricular experiences you want alongside your studies.
Academically, Berkeley has a slight historical edge in biological sciences (its programs often rank higher nationally), and it’s particularly strong in areas like molecular biology and genetics. There’s a strong culture of academic rigor and an emphasis on research—students often get involved in labs early, though this can also mean a more competitive atmosphere. At UCLA, the life sciences are also highly respected (and expanding quickly), and the university is known for having a more collaborative and supportive environment among undergrads. UCLA’s proximity to the medical center also gives biology majors good access to clinical and biomedical research experiences.
Campus vibe is pretty different. Berkeley’s campus has a more urban, eclectic, and activist feel. There’s a lot going on politically and culturally—think coffeehouses, protests, street performances. It can feel a bit more intense or intellectually challenging, in a good way if that’s what you’re looking for. UCLA, on the other hand, feels more traditional and classic collegiate, with beautiful weather year-round, lush quads, and a more laid-back social scene. Social life is strong at both, but at UCLA you’ll find the campus more centralized and residential, which can make it easier to make friends and get involved in clubs.
Extracurriculars are robust at each school: clubs, student government, volunteering, Greek life—whatever your interest, you’ll find options. Housing can be tricky at both. UCLA has made big improvements in guaranteed housing for undergrads and new dorm construction (many students stay on campus 3-4 years). Berkeley’s housing is often more competitive, with more students living off-campus after the first year, sometimes commuting from farther away.
As an example, a former UCLA student shared that being so close to major hospitals made it easy to intern during the academic year; meanwhile, a friend at Berkeley mentioned the value of the sheer research funding and being able to approach professors for independent projects—though it was sometimes harder to stand out among so many high-achieving classmates.
If possible, try to visit both campuses—you’ll get a real sense of which atmosphere fits you. Academically, you can’t go wrong with either for Biology. The right choice might come down to which city and culture you enjoy more, how you learn best, and what type of social and extracurricular experiences you want alongside your studies.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating