U.S. College Road Trip! Episode 10- University of California, Berkeley

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UC Berkeley: Where Genius Meets Quirkiness (and Sometimes, a Naked Run)

Welcome to the University of California, Berkeley—where innovation thrives, academic excellence is the norm, and, yes, students occasionally sprint through campus au naturel during Dead Week to blow off some steam. If that doesn’t scream college experience, what does?

Famous alumni? Oh, just Brenda Song (Suite Life, anyone?), Steve Wozniak (who co-founded a little company called Apple), and Alex Morgan (World Cup champ and general soccer legend). But don’t worry—Berkeley isn’t just for future tech moguls and professional athletes. It’s for anyone ready to challenge the status quo.

Why UC Berkeley Should Be on Your List

1. Academic Powerhouse: With 14 schools and colleges covering everything from engineering to law to political science, Berkeley is basically a buffet of intellectual opportunity. Whether you want to dive into AI, change the world through economics, or analyze the next election like a pro, this is the place to do it.

2. Research at the Next Level: Berkeley isn’t just about learning from textbooks—it’s about rewriting them. As a top-tier research university, students get hands-on experience working alongside world-renowned faculty in cutting-edge labs. Translation: You’ll have a résumé that makes recruiters do a double take.

3. Prime Location (a.k.a. The Bay Area Perk): Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley puts you right in the heart of tech, culture, and innovation. One minute, you’re brainstorming a startup idea at a coffee shop; the next, you’re networking with industry leaders. And if that doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have some of the best food and views in California.

4. A True Melting Pot: Berkeley is all about diversity—of thought, background, and experience. With students from across the globe, you’ll be exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and probably a few new favorite foods. It’s an inclusive environment where individuality is celebrated.

5. An Alumni Network That Opens Doors: Berkeley grads are everywhere, and they’re kind of a big deal. Whether it’s in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, or Washington, D.C., the Berkeley alumni network is a powerhouse of connections, mentorship, and career opportunities. So go ahead, name-drop that Berkeley degree—it’ll get you places.

6. More Than Just Studying: With over 1,200 student organizations, a thriving arts scene, and a social life that ranges from activism to acapella, there’s never a dull moment at Berkeley. Whether you’re joining the debate team, learning a new dance style, or just people-watching on Sproul Plaza, there’s always something happening.

7. Public Ivy, Private Perks: As a public university, Berkeley offers world-class education without the private school price tag. Financial aid and scholarships help make this elite experience more accessible—so you can focus on your future, not just your student loans.

By the Numbers

• Acceptance Rate: 18% (Class of 2026)

• SAT Scores: 1340-1510

• ACT Scores: 30-35

  
  

Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://www.berkeley.edu/admissions/

Go Bears!

Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.

Berkeley Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.