uc berkeley fall extension program?

Question

i got in the uc berkeley fall extension program for students admitted to spring 2008. I also got into ucsd with a chancellor scholarship. i live in southern california so can anyone explain if the fall extension program is ok or bad (is there on campus housing?) or is it better to just go to ucsd? thanks =)

my major for both schools is economics, if that helps. thanks!

Answer 1

I'd rather go to berkeley. A berkeley econ degree is gonna look better than a San Diego econ degree.

http://www.housing.berkeley.edu/livingatcal/fallextension.html

According to that website, they don't anticipate having any problems housing the Fall Extension kids. You're a normal Berkeley student the Spring Semester so no worries there.

Answer 2

The Fall Program for Freshman is sort of a deferred acceptance. It means you are admitted to Berkeley but there isn't enough room for everyone, so you have to take classes thru Extension (the classes will count as part of your graduation requirements, so don't screw up). On campus housing is guaranteed for freshman (for two years) and that goes for you as well, just make sure you put in your housing application on time. If you run into any trouble with housing, just make a fuss with the admissions office and someone will take care of you.

Berkeley has a far superior academic reputation than UCSD, so given you are admitted for Spring 2008 I highly recommend going to Berkeley. However, if having a scholarship is important to you (for financial reasons), then perhaps UCSD would be a better choice. But keep in mind that graduating from Berkeley will give you a certain prestige that opens doors for you in the job market and grad school.

Answer 3

No, you will NOT be offered housing as a fall extension student, and unlikely to get it as a spring admit unless you are persistent. Dorms are only guaranteed to fall-admit freshmen.

While I love Berkeley and think it's the greatest university in the whole world, I have to say, if you got the Chancellor's Scholarship at UCSD, and Cal's not offering you any money, go to UCSD.

But if paying for college is not a huge factor for you, then GO TO BERKELEY. And try to rent before August (when the upper classmen return from break). That way, you will have an easier time finding a place to live.

As for places to live in Berkeley, I lived Southside, a few blocks away from the BART station. This was ideal because it wasn't too far from campus, and it was close to transit (so I could go to SF easily). Northside is only advantageous if you are an engineering student. Don't live west of Milvia St, and don't live south of Stuart Ave. Too far, too dangerous.