UC Berkeley has been named the best public national university in a recent U.S. News report. This news brings joy to Berkeley students, especially as UCLA removes its “No. 1” flags around campus, which has sparked a lighthearted rivalry.
Berkeley now stands as the top public university and holds 15th place overall when compared to both public and private institutions, tied with Columbia University.
Esme Can, a junior at Berkeley, reflected on her visit to UCLA. “They really push that they’re number one,” she said. “But we’re the originals. We’ve earned it.” Some Berkeley students expressed relief at UCLA losing the top rank, especially those who were rejected by UCLA. Freshman Soleil Skjorshammer mentioned that many students, including herself, initially aimed for UCLA. “It feels like justice that Berkeley is on top now,” she shared.
Samhita Ghosh, another senior, noted that the ranking boosts Berkeley students’ confidence. “Everyone here brings unique perspectives,” she said. Ghosh believes the university’s offerings, especially in classes and research, cement its top status. However, she pointed out that high out-of-state tuition and housing costs can be a hurdle for many.
Can questioned the importance of the ranking itself. “Rankings can overlook student experience,” she stated. She emphasized that while prestige matters, everyday life on campus sometimes feels neglected. “For example, the basic meal plan doesn’t even cover three meals a day,” she explained.
Roy Chebaclo, a senior who transferred from the University of Minnesota, shared a different perspective. He values the opportunity to learn alongside bright students but was unaware of the fierce rivalry between Berkeley and UCLA. “It’s fun to be competitive,” he noted. “It keeps everyone motivated and engaged. A little competition can be healthy.”
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that 70% of students believe rankings influence their choices, while many feel it’s more about the community and support they find at their schools. This highlights how rankings and personal experiences can differ greatly.
In the broad scope of educational history, rankings have always played a significant role. As competition among universities grows, it’s important to focus on what truly matters—student well-being and quality education. In 2023, these conversations around university rankings are more relevant than ever, reminding us that education is about more than just numbers.
For further insights, you can read the full U.S. News report [here](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges) for more details on university rankings and methodology.
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esme can, roy chebaclo, uc berkeley, us news report, ucla, samhita ghosh, soleil skjorshammer
