Help with selecting UC's in California?

Hello there, I'm a current high school junior and starting to look at colleges. The UC system's caught my eye, mainly because of the diversity and prestige. However, I'm pretty confused about which ones to consider seriously. Can anyone provide insights on how to shortlist some UC's in California that could be a good fit? Thanks in advance.

Sure! The University of California system is widely known for its diverse universities, each with its distinct vibe and offerings. To shortlist some that could be a good fit, a few factors should be taken into account:

1. Academics: Check out each school's areas of strength. UC Berkeley is recognized for its STEM and humanities programs. UCLA is known for its film & TV program, and UC Davis excels in veterinary science and agriculture-related studies. UC San Diego is great for bioengineering and marine sciences.

2. Location: The environment can significantly influence your college experience. You need to decide if you prefer a city-based campus such as UCLA (Los Angeles), UC Berkeley (Berkeley), or UC San Francisco (San Francisco), or something more suburban/rural like UC Davis or UC Santa Cruz.

3. Size: UC Berkeley and UCLA have large student populations, while campuses like UC Santa Cruz and UC Riverside are smaller, boasting stronger community vibes.

4. Culture: Each school has a unique culture. UC Berkeley is known for its intense academic competition and political activism, whereas UC Santa Cruz has a reputation for being more laid-back and progressive.

The best way to shortlist some UC's would be to consider your major, academic interests, and personal preferences relating to university size, location, and culture. From there, research each school and take virtual tours to get a feel for campus life. This will help you gauge whether you see yourself thriving and fitting well in these environments.