Cal - A visit to UC Berkeley (Travelogue)

By Sapna

The visit to the University of California, Berkeley was extra special. Not only did I get to explore its stunning campus, but I was able to do so with on of my former students, Raghav.

Here is what I learned:

• Students and faculty affectionately call it “Cal.”

• The campus, set on hilly terrain, offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

• One street on campus has parking reserved exclusively for Nobel Laureates, and yes, I spotted a car belonging to one!

• There’s a seal that students avoid stepping on, fearing it’ll cost them their 4.0 GPA!

  
  
  
  

I met reps from all seven schools at the university, learning about the wide range of majors, minors, and courses they offer ( love the Decals). I also met reps from the International Admissions team, learned about the Dual Degree programs, and heard about the emphasis on accepting Transfer students, especially from California community colleges. The team walked us through the Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarships, offering clear insights into what they look for in applicants. 

But, the one message that resonated the most? The university’s unwavering commitment to international students. 

I have always known UCB to be a stellar, highly rigorous academic institution with a formidable reputation in the job market. However, the day I spent here also gave me a glimpse into the fierce sense of responsibility and democratic values that drive the people in this fantastic institution. 

DID YOU KNOW...

UC Berkeley graduates have founded more venture-backed companies than undergraduate alumni from any other university globally? It is ranked first for female graduates who founded businesses & companies, and first for the amount of capital raised by women.

UCB receives approximately 150,000 student applications every year? Each of these applications is read twice, with the admissions team collectively spending 400 K hours to ensure that each application is reviewed with complete ‘integrity and respect’. 

One in three students at UCB is a Transfer Student, most of whom have started their academic journey at a community college. 

I loved my time at ‘Cal,’ but most of all, I loved that I got to spend it with my student. Seeing the campus through his eyes, hearing stories of how it became his ‘home’, and seeing him thrive (Graduating on time with a 4.0 GPA) was incredibly satisfying. Experiences like this truly drive home the interconnected nature of the relationship between high schools and universities. We hand over our 17-year-olds (barely adults) to universities to nurture and chisel, and send them out into the world.  Together, we create these ‘wonderful adults,’ and thus we must find as many ways as possible to collaborate. 

Still curious about Berkeley?

Hear from my student, Raghav, about his experience at UC Berkeley on our "Student Voices" session HERE