UCLA, UCSD, or Berkeley??

Question

I got into UCLA, UCSD, and Berkeley. I'm Pakistani, Muslim ( I don't know why you would need to know that, but oh well) and planning on majoring in double-majoring in Journalism and Political Sci/Mid-east Studies and possibly having a minor in Arabic.
Which school would be best for me? I want to go to a school that's diverse.

Answer 1

All three schools are among the best public universities in the US. Berkeley is ranked above UCLA, which is ranked above UCSD -- but all three are as good as you will find in the US.

The person who said that Berkeley is only good in the sciences clearly knows little about Berkeley. Berkeley is the top rated graduate program in many of the liberal arts fields.

If you are looking at graduate programs -- choose Berkeley. If you are not planning on staying in the US, choose Berkeley (it has a much better international reputation). Otherwise, choose based on where you would like to live.

Answer 2

I think you're going to have a difficult time not finding a diverse student population among the top CA Universities. Have you had an opportunity to visit any of the campuses? Did you like the atmosphere? If not, you'll have to base your decision on something else. They're all great schools, though, so you don't have to worry that you'll ruin your future if you pick "the wrong one" (because there is no wrong choice!). Each of the three have some very brilliant faculty and renowned alumni.

In general, UCLA is sports-oriented. UCSD is a little more "laid back" and Berkeley prides itself on being avant-garde. They all have multicultural groups and many opportunities for academic and social activities.

Advantages
UCLA: Los Angeles location ~ the city of angels and dreams, at your doorstep! Sports-- you are not going to get into better basketball games anywhere.
UCSD: San Diego! You can take public transit to Tijuana (provided you have a VISA) for daytrips in another country! And the food! Its near the ocean, you could choose to buy a trailer with an ocean view for living...
Berkeley: Hobnob with the self-acknowledged cultural elite. Easy access to San Francisco's thriving waterfront.

Congratulations, and good luck with your education!

Answer 3

For what you are doing UCLA

Berkeley is for Engineering, general Science and Physics

The DOWNSIDE is the Jewish community will be your neighborhood at UCLA. If you can deal with that you'll be cool. They don't give much of a hoot unless you're an Anti-Zionist activist.

The general Arabic/Islamic community is closer to Downtown and Cal State LA

Of course there is a DOWN SIDE to Berkely, it's full of New Agers and Die Hard Hippies and drug dealing, apartment raiding heroin addicts from Oakland.

The Coolest community area is UCSD, which would be a nice second choice.

It's downside is lots more Spanish speaking Hispanics, but it's more diverse culturally.

LA is clickey with "neighborhoods" and the JEwish people love the West Side, which is where UCLA is.

From a WESTERN standpoint UCLA is the hippest.

Everything for one mile from UCLA is just totally cool and totally HOLLYWOOD in the ultiamte sense.

Very bogieouse

Open air bistros, cinemas.

The REAL downside is cost. Apartments are outragious and THEY CHARGE FOR PARKING SPOTS

You want a single apartment 1 mile from UCLA it will cost $1000+ a month $100 more if you want a parking spot and you may have to WAIT for one to become available otherwise you park on the street anywhere from in front to half a mile away.

Answer 4

Go to Berkeley, they have top programsin everything and that school defines diverse (in more ways that one)

Answer 5

Individuals always ask what college should I go to? We can't answer this question for you! Your school choices are all great! Have you had a chance to visit each school? My advice to you is visit each college and find one that meets all of your needs and expectations! You are the one that will have to attend there, not us! Good Luck.... a UC System... Alumni!

Answer 6

I would go to Berkeley. Ooh, you're Muslim? Those people are smart... :) Take your choice, this was just my opinion.