The Rivalry Unraveled: UCLA vs UC Berkeley - A Comprehensive Analysis
There is a friendly rivalry between graduates of UC Berkeley and UCLA about which college is the best. This rivalry has raged on for years, with each school supporting its own merits and achievements.
The Current Standings in Academic Rankings
According to the recent 2019 Forbes list of top colleges, UC Berkeley came in as the top public university globally, with a significant margin over UCLA. However, it's essential to consider that rankings alone don't tell the whole story, as there are various factors that contribute to the reputation and success of each institution.
UCLA's Selectivity and Its Impact on Rankings
The ranking of UCLA is closely tied to its selectivity, which is the proportion of applicants who are admitted. UCLA receives an overwhelming number of applications - over 100,000 - making it the most sought-after college in the nation. This high level of selectivity contributes significantly to its ranking.
One less obvious factor is the cultural and social dynamics of Los Angeles, especially regarding its large immigrant communities. These communities often discourage unmarried women from being far from home. While it's not accurate to say all women follow this advice, many do. As a result, these women tend to apply to a narrower range of schools, including UCLA and the other four UC campuses, as well as some private institutions within Southern California.
A Closer Look at UCLA's Academic Strengths
Despite the impact of selectivity, UCLA stands out in its STEM programs, which rank highly on various measures. In fact, five to six UC campuses consistently rank in the top ten nationwide. Whether a particular campus is at the very top in a given year is less important than the sustained excellence that places these universities at the forefront of higher education.
UCI Law School: An Exemplar of Selectivity Bias
To provide more context, consider the rise of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Law School. In just three years of existence, this law school ranked in the top three nationally. This came as a surprise to many, but it's also an artifact of selectivity bias. UCI's law school was founded by Erwin Chemerinsky, who not only raised significant private funding but also offered three years of free tuition to its inaugural class. This favorable selection effect brought in a large number of top students and contributed to its early success.
Chemerinsky's vision extended beyond financial incentives. He recruited a stellar faculty and created an environment that was both exhilarating and conducive to excellence. This combination of these factors made the UCI Law School's quick rise to the top all the more remarkable.
Conclusion
While the rivalry between UC Berkeley and UCLA continues, it's crucial to recognize the unique factors that contribute to each institution's rankings. Selectivity is a significant factor, but it's not the only determinant of a university's success. Both schools continue to innovate and excel, contributing to the prestige of the University of California system as a whole.