Post by University of California, Berkeley

"I wanted to attend UC Berkeley because of its prestige and the opportunities offered on campus. The campus of UC Berkeley was so diverse and welcoming that I knew I'd fit right in. For me, Berkeley wasn't just a dream, it was a rite of passage. I recall receiving my acceptance letter during Ramadan which made the moment so much more meaningful to my family and I. I was overjoyed because I felt like I was completing something bigger than myself. I was forging my own path while continuing a legacy. My family and I may have all attended UC Berkeley, but we chose different paths. My eldest cousin, Hasan, majored in economics and political science, while his brother, Ameer, and both of my siblings, Sarah and Dawood, majored in molecular cell biology. I chose to major in integrative biology because of the interdisciplinary courses offered, as well as the extensive research opportunities provided. Through the IB honors program, I was able to conduct my own research project and push myself to work in other labs as well. My advice to incoming students is to be themselves and take risks. Coming into a big campus can seem overwhelming at first, and you may feel pressured to find your place, but Berkeley has such a diverse environment and provides opportunities for you to discover yourself at your own pace. Try new things and don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, because you usually meet the best kinds of people and make connections that last a lifetime. Go bears!" – Sidrah Siddiqui '26 #UCBerkeley #CalGrad