University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

School does not care much about how well students do.

The most frustrating thing about Berkeley is also the most rewarding aspect. It is very "sink or swim," with hardly any guidance for incoming freshmen in regards to majors, classes, social life, health care, and the community. This can (and often does) lead to an adjustment period the first year and can cause some academic difficulties and depression. There should be a stronger support network with upper classmen, advisors, or professors being more involved. However, if you do learn to make it here on your own, there is a strong sense of accomplishment and pride.

Because UC Berkeley is a competitive school, classes become both challenging and intimidating. As a student, it makes it difficult at times to keep your mind in the right place and focus on only you and your schoolwork. For me, the most frustrating thing is feeling as if I am no good and I do not deserve to be in a great school like this. The name of the school itself seems to have high expectations and living up to those expectations makes it difficult because of the type of students that you work with.

The on campus internet access can be iffy. Also it is a LOT of work. There is so much information crammed into each class that a lot of studying is mandatory. Also on Saturdays when there's homegames, Berkeley is flooded and there is no parking.

The coursework is more challenging than that of comparable universities, but this truth is not recognized.

The competitive nature, of the school makes it really stressful

Feeling as if I made the right choice in my major.

Getting into the classes you want. The class sizes are big, but they fill up very fast so plan out what you want and also backups that you want to take. Don't always think you'll get the professor you want.

Funding for certain departments. Classes and majors are often impacted and cannot take the course/major of your choice. The buildings are dirty.

the competition and academic rigor. Also, being such a big school, you individually have to go and seek out help if you need it instead of having faculty checking in with you to see how you're doing.