Which is better: UC Berkeley or UCLA for undergrad?
I'm a current junior trying to figure out my college list, and right now I'm super torn between UC Berkeley and UCLA. I want to major in biology, but I'm also interested in maybe picking up a minor in something else, like business or sociology.
I've visited the UCLA campus and really liked the vibe, but a lot of my teachers keep telling me Berkeley is better academically. I'm not sure if that's actually true or just a reputation thing. I'm from Northern California so Berkeley would be a little closer to home.
If anyone has any experience with either school, especially in terms of academics, campus life, and internship opportunities, I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Also, how do the student cultures compare? Trying to figure out where I'd fit best!
I've visited the UCLA campus and really liked the vibe, but a lot of my teachers keep telling me Berkeley is better academically. I'm not sure if that's actually true or just a reputation thing. I'm from Northern California so Berkeley would be a little closer to home.
If anyone has any experience with either school, especially in terms of academics, campus life, and internship opportunities, I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Also, how do the student cultures compare? Trying to figure out where I'd fit best!
3 weeks ago
•
26 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
Both UC Berkeley and UCLA are top-tier schools with strong reputations, but which is "better" for undergrad often comes down to your priorities, academic interests, and personality.
For biology specifically, both universities have excellent programs, world-class faculty, and strong research opportunities. Berkeley is generally known for its strengths in research and a slightly more academic, theory-driven environment. It’s true that Berkeley’s reputation in STEM is outstanding, partially due to its history and faculty achievements, but UCLA has caught up in a lot of ways, with equally competitive faculty, labs, and undergraduate opportunities. UCLA also offers unique strengths, such as easy access to biotech industries and hospitals in LA if you’re considering pre-med or health-related research. For minors, both schools have a wide range. UCLA's business-econ minor is popular, and its diversity of interdisciplinary programs is extensive. Berkeley offers strong programs as well, especially in the social sciences and business areas like the Haas School of Business.
Campus culture is a big point of difference. UCLA tends to feel a bit more social, collaborative, and spirited, with frequent campus events, beautiful weather, and a stereotypically "happy" student vibe. Berkeley has a more intellectual, sometimes activist-driven reputation; students often describe it as intense and independent-minded.
Regarding internships, UCLA’s LA location gives you proximity to entertainment, business, and healthcare industries. Berkeley’s connections in tech (thanks to its Bay Area location) are hard to beat—but LA isn't far behind in life sciences, especially biotech. Both have strong career centers and alumni networks, so you’ll find opportunities at either place if you’re proactive.
Since you liked the vibe at UCLA when you visited, that's worth seriously considering. Sometimes campus feel makes a huge difference day-to-day. If you value being closer to home and are comfortable with a more urban, perhaps higher-pressure academic environment, Berkeley might be a better fit.
If possible, visit Berkeley too. Talk to current students, check out biology and minor program requirements, and see if you can picture yourself there. For example, a student I know chose UCLA for biology because she loved the collaborative clubs, while her friend preferred Berkeley for its rigorous independent study program.
Ultimately, you can’t make a wrong choice between these two, but fit matters most. Aim for the place where you can thrive academically and feel at home.
For biology specifically, both universities have excellent programs, world-class faculty, and strong research opportunities. Berkeley is generally known for its strengths in research and a slightly more academic, theory-driven environment. It’s true that Berkeley’s reputation in STEM is outstanding, partially due to its history and faculty achievements, but UCLA has caught up in a lot of ways, with equally competitive faculty, labs, and undergraduate opportunities. UCLA also offers unique strengths, such as easy access to biotech industries and hospitals in LA if you’re considering pre-med or health-related research. For minors, both schools have a wide range. UCLA's business-econ minor is popular, and its diversity of interdisciplinary programs is extensive. Berkeley offers strong programs as well, especially in the social sciences and business areas like the Haas School of Business.
Campus culture is a big point of difference. UCLA tends to feel a bit more social, collaborative, and spirited, with frequent campus events, beautiful weather, and a stereotypically "happy" student vibe. Berkeley has a more intellectual, sometimes activist-driven reputation; students often describe it as intense and independent-minded.
Regarding internships, UCLA’s LA location gives you proximity to entertainment, business, and healthcare industries. Berkeley’s connections in tech (thanks to its Bay Area location) are hard to beat—but LA isn't far behind in life sciences, especially biotech. Both have strong career centers and alumni networks, so you’ll find opportunities at either place if you’re proactive.
Since you liked the vibe at UCLA when you visited, that's worth seriously considering. Sometimes campus feel makes a huge difference day-to-day. If you value being closer to home and are comfortable with a more urban, perhaps higher-pressure academic environment, Berkeley might be a better fit.
If possible, visit Berkeley too. Talk to current students, check out biology and minor program requirements, and see if you can picture yourself there. For example, a student I know chose UCLA for biology because she loved the collaborative clubs, while her friend preferred Berkeley for its rigorous independent study program.
Ultimately, you can’t make a wrong choice between these two, but fit matters most. Aim for the place where you can thrive academically and feel at home.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years