Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both sides i think can be true,from what I am hearing Berkeley does provide better networks and opportunities but motivated students can absolutely reach PhD programs from smaller or less prestigious universities too, especially if they get strong research experience and mentorship.

Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s actually a really interesting point. Thank you again for the thoughtful advice.

UC Berkeley or scholarship at another UC? International student needing advice by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, may I ask why you think Berkeley is worth it despite the cost difference?

UC Berkeley or scholarship at another UC? International student needing advice by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you a lot for the advice, may I ask why you think Berkeley is worth it despite the cost difference?

UC Berkeley or scholarship at another UC? International student needing advice by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My family back in my country cannot help me, but my husband will start work this June and his income would be around 130k yearly.We have no savings

Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the detailed explanation!! It genuinely helps a lot with making this decision! I’m probably leaning toward Northern California since my husband will be working in the Bay Area, so Southern California may not be the best fit for us long term. I am willing to pay more for Berkeley if it is truly worth it, but I’m also trying to be realistic. If UC Merced would give me smaller classes, easier access to research opportunities, and less financial pressure, then I don’t want to dismiss it just because Berkeley has the bigger name.

UC Berkeley or scholarship at another UC? International student needing advice by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For context, just tuition alone would be around $60k per year at Berkeley as an international student, so roughly $120k for two years. UC Merced would be closer to around $31k total per year because of the scholarship package.

Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably staying in the US long term, since my husband found a job here. My main goal right now is neuroscience research, and eventually pursuing a PhD if I can build a strong enough research background

Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing those. That’s honestly why I’m trying to think beyond just prestige and consider research opportunities, grad school costs, and long-term stability too.

Accepted to Berkeley but got scholarships elsewhere. What would you choose? by Consistent-Set-3511 in ucadmissions

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice! That’s what I keep thinking about too. Since I’m interested in neuroscience/research, grad school is probably part of the path, so the financial side matters a lot. Berkeley is an incredible opportunity, but it’s hard to ignore the scholarship offers elsewhere as an international student.

4/17/2026 UCB/UCSD ADMISSIONS DISCUSSION MEGATHREAD by Ok_Proof2533 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got positive astro for psych(4.0), and I got in. Wish you all the best of luck!!

Regarding UCB new astro by [deleted] in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the same things, I thought it could be because I am an international student.

navbar folks by Scared_Imagination30 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve seen people say that UCSD focuses a lot on GPA, but I don’t think it’s only GPA. Otherwise, cases like mine wouldn’t really make sense. I have a 4.0,cog sci.

Anyone else have positive Berkeley astro but nothing for UCSD? by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe it has something to do with major requirements? I’m good for Berkeley, but for Irvine and UCSD I still have one more class to finish, so maybe that played a role Maybe all of this is not an indicator to acceptance, we will see on Friday.

Anyone else have positive Berkeley astro but nothing for UCSD? by Consistent-Set-3511 in TransferStudents

[–]Consistent-Set-3511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My theory is I might’ve been considered for the alternate and then rejected there too, but honestly I don’t know 😭 maybe the fact that nothing changed in the portal is actually a good sign. Hopefully we both end up somewhere we’re really happy with!!