Question about Haas

Question

So I have a question about Haas. I am trying to narrow down my list of schools and at first I had completely dismissed the idea of going to Haas due to political reasons, but now I am more intigued than I was before about the school. I know Berkely is the bastion of liberal thought in America, but how is that reflected in the business school? I had originally said no way because I believed it would carry over into the curriculum and general atmosphere of the school, but now I'm more interested. I know I would probably be in the minority with my political views, but at the same time it might be fun to challenge people there on a daily basis. I might learn something as well. :wink:

agold · Answer

I have similar thoughts to you. I am likely more middle of the road than you are, but it still scares me to an extent. I am considering applying primarily because I am a California resident (in-state tuition) and the strong placements/access to VCs in the Bay Area. If I get into both Anderson and Haas - it would certainly be a tough decision but I would likely be leaning more towards Anderson due to fit.

I believe Haas is considered to be significantly more conservative than the rest of the UC Berkeley population.

kryzak · Answer

Good question. Let's put it this way, Berkeley the school is a bastion of liberalism, but the only reason it is perceived as that is because the liberal people are the ones that get publicized by the media the most. I mean, would the news stations broadcast news about some guy living in a tree to try to save it, or would they talk about some corporate people trying to change the tax code to help companies?

There are plenty of "conservative" people (however you define conservative) at Cal, they're just less vocal about it. I think the key thing about Berkeley is that people are respectful of diversity and differences in opinions. They actually value that instead of stifle it. Sure you'll get jabs here and there from your friends (mostly joking), but people won't think of you as the enemy or try to kill you (unlike some more radical liberals and conservatives alike), if that's what you're worried about. My best suggestion is for you to visit Haas and see for yourself. You'll definitely have most of the people be anti-Bush (if you're worried about the political leanings of the population), but there will still be enough conservatives to make you feel comfortable. As long as you respect others, they will respect you.

And terp06 is partially right, Haas is probably less radical (I wouldn't say more conservative) than the rest of Berkeley, but if you're open to learning from them as they are from you, you'll do just fine.

socalconsult · Answer

Nothing more liberal than Haas' emphasis on social responsibility. Milton Freidman would be rolling if he knew about that emphasis.

On a side note, I believe there is a club at Haas to climb in the trees north of Haas preventing the needed stadium renovations =) Damn hippies lol

RVD · Answer

Cal is very liberal but I'm fairly conservative and have voted conservative in most elections. Sure, there's a bit of back and forth between students but the conservative base is actually fairly well represented in the school and at Haas, even more so. When I was at Cal, the Young Republican club was one of the largest on campus.

I wouldn't let the perceived liberal nature of Haas deter you in any way.

RVD.

I wouldn't let the perceived liberal nature of Haas deter you in any way.

RVD.

Maple · Answer

I am a Berkeley Engineering graduate. There is an element in Berkeley that is extremely liberal, but the majority of the student body is apolitical. You'll have the isolated incidents where a pro-abortion petition is passed around in class or some professor, who whacked himself out on LSD in the sixties, will show "Dr. Strangelove" in class and proclaim it gospel, but by and large neither the students nor the professors wear their politics on their sleeve. "Diverse" would be the best descriptor of the student body at the University of California. The city of Berkeley, on the other hand, is way out there.

Question about Haas

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards