I am definitely learning a lot. Especially this past semester because I had great professors for all of my classes. In the past when my professors weren't the best, I always talked to my graduate student instructors (GSIs). There are so many resources to help students at Berkeley, so I have always been able to find answers to my questions. Also, profs and GSIs really care that students understand the material and will definitely try to help you and clarify any areas of misunderstanding.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
During my first semester here, I didn't like it too much; I was a spring admit and everyone already seemed to have their own clicks. I had to adjust to dorm life (and I didn't particularly care for my roommate), and I didn't really know how much I needed to study. However, the following semester, things got a lot better. Given time, I learned to adjust, and I really liked my roommate during sophomore year, and everything just got a lot better. With SF near by, there's so much to do. Also, there are so many clubs at Berkeley, so I have joined some of those and I've met a lot of really great people.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
As many people well know, student fees are increasing due to budget cuts, and some student programs have been cut. For example, the Physics tutoring for the 7 series, which would be very helpful, has been cut at the Student Learning Center. Still, there are other sources of tutoring in the dorms, and in general, you will get a great education at Berkeley (hey, it's the top public school in the nation), and you're won't be paying nearly as much as you would for a private university.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Study, study, study! Depending on what your major is, you will have more or less time to party and hang out with friends on weekends.
Definitely learn to budget your time because socializing is a HUGE part of the college experience, and you don't want to study all the time.
Make sure to join some clubs. Find something that you are really interested in, and get involved. It's a great way to make friends.
Go to professor's office hours. Most of them are really helpful. Sometimes the professors themselves aren't very social and won't help, but if that's the case, then make sure to talk to your GSIs. A third option is to go to tutoring. I found that VERY helpful for Chem.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
In general, Berkeley is good for all kinds of students. Anyone who is willing to work hard will do well here. Graduate programs in all areas at Berkeley are very highly ranked, and that kind of academic achievement trickles down to undergrad (research opportunities and the quality of GSIs).
I am definitely learning a lot. Especially this past semester because I had great professors for all of my classes. In the past when my professors weren't the best, I always talked to my graduate student instructors (GSIs). There are so many resources to help students at Berkeley, so I have always been able to find answers to my questions. Also, profs and GSIs really care that students understand the material and will definitely try to help you and clarify any areas of misunderstanding.
During my first semester here, I didn't like it too much; I was a spring admit and everyone already seemed to have their own clicks. I had to adjust to dorm life (and I didn't particularly care for my roommate), and I didn't really know how much I needed to study. However, the following semester, things got a lot better. Given time, I learned to adjust, and I really liked my roommate during sophomore year, and everything just got a lot better. With SF near by, there's so much to do. Also, there are so many clubs at Berkeley, so I have joined some of those and I've met a lot of really great people.
As many people well know, student fees are increasing due to budget cuts, and some student programs have been cut. For example, the Physics tutoring for the 7 series, which would be very helpful, has been cut at the Student Learning Center. Still, there are other sources of tutoring in the dorms, and in general, you will get a great education at Berkeley (hey, it's the top public school in the nation), and you're won't be paying nearly as much as you would for a private university.
Study, study, study! Depending on what your major is, you will have more or less time to party and hang out with friends on weekends. Definitely learn to budget your time because socializing is a HUGE part of the college experience, and you don't want to study all the time. Make sure to join some clubs. Find something that you are really interested in, and get involved. It's a great way to make friends. Go to professor's office hours. Most of them are really helpful. Sometimes the professors themselves aren't very social and won't help, but if that's the case, then make sure to talk to your GSIs. A third option is to go to tutoring. I found that VERY helpful for Chem.
In general, Berkeley is good for all kinds of students. Anyone who is willing to work hard will do well here. Graduate programs in all areas at Berkeley are very highly ranked, and that kind of academic achievement trickles down to undergrad (research opportunities and the quality of GSIs).