USC vs. Berkeley

[mr.bond]

Originally Posted by skywalker400

^ Heh, most kids I know studying Japanese are anime/manga fan types, while those striving for stronger credentials opt for Mandarin. I would just add that its not entirely difficult to double major at Cal in different colleges, might just take a little longer, but if you have 4 years, don't sweat it.

Please don't put me in the category of those anime kids! I can't stand them! I can't even mention that I'm learning Japanese around them.
I just love the language and culture. I want to learn Cantonese and Mandarin after I learn Japanese. Cantonese is less useful but I really like it.

I'm going to visit the schools over the summer and hopefully go the seminars at USC for high school students.
Any more input would be well appreciated.

[NYSD1995]

Japanese is no more the "language of business" than German is the "language of science" or French the "International Language". Those things were all once true but have faded into the past. English is the language of business. The only reason to learn Japanese is if you want to live Japan.

UCLA or Berkeley, you can't really go wrong either way.

[mr.bond]

Berkeley just contacted me and said that it is possible to dual major in business and Japanese with good planning. Would taking Calculus in high school improve me chances of being accepted to any of these schools? It's the only problem I have. As of now I'm taking Pre Calc in my senior year because I never got the memo that you could take your first year of high school algebra in 8th grade. I might be able to take pre calc over the summer or something so I can take Calc in senior year.

[vdy1985]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

Then everyone would do it. Nothing is guaranteed in life no matter what you do.

Everyone would do it, but it is a competitive impacted major. Hence, some kids who want to do business, get screwed over since they can't cut it and get into the business major. They then major in econ usually. Berkeley is world re-known for a reason.

[shingo333]

I agree with drshang and LArenter.

Visit the schools personally. Everybody is going to have their personal opinions either from personal experience or not. Here are mine:

Berkeley - Superb academics and reputation. Location not so hot but Oakland does have great coffee shops and eateries. Close to SF.

UCLA - Great school as well. Campus is wonderfully located in Westwood. You'll have plenty of chances to practice your Nihongo here as many int'l students are from Japan and you're also near SMCC where many Japanese students attend. Undergrad Econ program is comprable to other Undergrad Biz programs from what I hear.

USC - Awesome school. Great Biz School and East Asian Studies Dept. I have experience with both as this wonderful school is my Alma Mater. Our Alumni network in Asia is very strong and just strong and tight night period! I personally have many friends that work in HK, Shanghai, and Tokyo that graduated with me.

Learning Japanese: If you are interested in Japanese, go for it. Some say Chinese (Mandarin) is the language to learn. Some say Spanish. I believe in do what you're interested in and be the best at it.

As long as you know what you want, go for it. The problem is not taking action.

Good luck!!!