Is UC Berkeley or UCLA considered more prestigious for undergraduate studies?
I’m a current high school junior from Northern California and both UC Berkeley and UCLA are high on my college list, but I keep hearing totally different things about which one is more respected. Some people (especially my teachers) say Berkeley has more 'prestige' because of its history and research, but others argue UCLA has gotten way more competitive lately and is more recognized.
Does it matter for things like grad school admissions or getting a job after college? I’m planning to major in biology, but my plans might change. I’d really appreciate any insight from students at either school or anyone familiar with how their reputations compare in the real world. Also, does the difference in prestige even matter that much, or is it just something people talk about?
Does it matter for things like grad school admissions or getting a job after college? I’m planning to major in biology, but my plans might change. I’d really appreciate any insight from students at either school or anyone familiar with how their reputations compare in the real world. Also, does the difference in prestige even matter that much, or is it just something people talk about?
5 days ago
•
14 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 5 days ago
Advisor
Debates about "prestige" between UC Berkeley and UCLA are really common, especially in California, and honestly, there's no simple answer because it depends on who you ask and the context.
Historically, UC Berkeley has been seen as the flagship University of California: it's older, has an impressive history of Nobel Prize winners, and is consistently ranked very high both in national and international rankings—especially in the sciences like biology, chemistry, and engineering. Many academics, graduate schools, and employers view Berkeley as a powerhouse for research and intellectual tradition.
That said, UCLA has absolutely risen in reputation, especially in the past 10-15 years. It actually receives the most undergraduate applications of any university in the country and has become more selective. People sometimes associate UCLA with a broader mix of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and strong programs in areas like life sciences, health fields, and the arts. For biology and related majors, both schools offer top-notch programs, research opportunities, and direct access to leading faculty.
As for grad school admissions or post-college jobs, both are considered elite public institutions. For most jobs—especially outside of Northern or Southern California—employers tend to respect both equally. For example, if you go into pharmaceutical research or apply to medical school, either diploma will carry weight. The difference in "prestige" is rarely a deciding factor; your specific achievements, internships, GPA, and recommendations will matter more.
A classmate of mine chose Berkeley over UCLA because she wanted a more research-focused environment in molecular biology, while another picked UCLA for its strong pre-med community and hospital connections. Both were admitted to top graduate programs after undergrad. That said, some highly specialized fields or certain elite academic circles might give a slight edge to Berkeley, but this isn't a universal experience.
In short: both are fantastic choices, especially for biology. The difference in "prestige" is less significant than fit, program strengths, and what you do during your college years. Try to visit both, talk to current students, and see where you feel more at home. That will shape your experience—and ultimately, your opportunities—far more than reputation alone.
Historically, UC Berkeley has been seen as the flagship University of California: it's older, has an impressive history of Nobel Prize winners, and is consistently ranked very high both in national and international rankings—especially in the sciences like biology, chemistry, and engineering. Many academics, graduate schools, and employers view Berkeley as a powerhouse for research and intellectual tradition.
That said, UCLA has absolutely risen in reputation, especially in the past 10-15 years. It actually receives the most undergraduate applications of any university in the country and has become more selective. People sometimes associate UCLA with a broader mix of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and strong programs in areas like life sciences, health fields, and the arts. For biology and related majors, both schools offer top-notch programs, research opportunities, and direct access to leading faculty.
As for grad school admissions or post-college jobs, both are considered elite public institutions. For most jobs—especially outside of Northern or Southern California—employers tend to respect both equally. For example, if you go into pharmaceutical research or apply to medical school, either diploma will carry weight. The difference in "prestige" is rarely a deciding factor; your specific achievements, internships, GPA, and recommendations will matter more.
A classmate of mine chose Berkeley over UCLA because she wanted a more research-focused environment in molecular biology, while another picked UCLA for its strong pre-med community and hospital connections. Both were admitted to top graduate programs after undergrad. That said, some highly specialized fields or certain elite academic circles might give a slight edge to Berkeley, but this isn't a universal experience.
In short: both are fantastic choices, especially for biology. The difference in "prestige" is less significant than fit, program strengths, and what you do during your college years. Try to visit both, talk to current students, and see where you feel more at home. That will shape your experience—and ultimately, your opportunities—far more than reputation alone.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years