I graduated in '76 with a degree in Applied Math. ...

I graduated in '76 with a degree in Applied Math. Great experience. Berkeley has very high academic standards. They don't coddle students but do teach you to think and solve problems. During my professional career, the academic pedigree of an applicant for a job was very important. Berkeley is at the top of the list. You know what you are getting; a prepared, driven individual. The campus is beautiful and only a Bart ride to the City (San Francisco). You can even see the Golden Gate from the entrance to the Math building