A View of UC Berkeley
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley is a public university established in 1868. Berkeley seeks students with a high level of determination, strong leadership qualities, passion, persistence, and a desire to give back. Students who are interested in a rich and personal academic experience and want to graduate within four years should consider this university. To convey this message, the college uses rhetorical strategies such as Imagining Ideal Readers and Purpose.
Analysis
On its website, Berkeley explains some of its purposes for attracting ideal readers. As soon visiting their website, you will see the term “Artificial Intelligence” on the home page; which gives you a sense of intelligence for choosing this university. Under their About tab, they claim that “Berkeley is a place where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world.” (UC Berkeley, 1) Berkeley’s goal with this statement is to convince the audience that they have students from across the globe, not just from the United States and CA and that they welcome more international students. This sentence gives international students hope for applying. Their goal is to position their students in positive competition with the smartest students around the globe so they can progress and learn new things. They call themselves “Brightest Minds”. By using this statement, Berkeley seeks to attract international and clever readers who can make a positive impact on the world with their knowledge.
“Berkeley is home to some of the world’s greatest minds leading more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units and addressing the world’s most pertinent challenges.” (UC Berkeley, 3) The statement can be found on Berkeley’s Academics page. The site offers its readers a choice of academic departments and programs. Using these majors, students can make a positive impact on one of the world’s greatest challenges. Under the Campus Life tab, it mentioned that “Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse and kinetic community that seeks to create a better world.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Although the students aren’t from the same country, culture, or ethnicity, they can still form a diverse community and experience lots of joy together while creating positive change. To support their statement they named some events, daily activities, and performances under the title “Events and Attractions” in the same tab. For example, students can visit BAMPFA if they are interested in museums, art, or dance. Students can visit Berkeley’s botanical garden, take a tour of CA Memorial Stadium, and attend concerts and sporting events. Under the Campus Life section, it is stated that “life at Berkeley doesn’t stand still. With over 35,000 students from around the world and a vibrant urban setting, it’s no wonder the campus community talks about a “fear of missing out.” Jump in and find out how dynamic and interconnected life at Berkeley can be.” (UC Berkeley, 5) This sentence promises two things: a spacious and diverse campus, and a dynamic and interconnected life. They want to attract readers who are looking for wider campuses, more fun, and more experiences.
Cal Band Performing on Sproul Hall Steps.
When it comes to Imagining Ideal Readers, UC Berkeley is certainly seeking students from different cultures; as Berkeley believes that they all have different backgrounds, experiences, and talents, and can work together to create a positive change. On the website, readers can find pictures of students from a variety of races and backgrounds, which will attract students who share similar characteristics. Since getting an acceptance into this university isn’t easy, it is obvious they’re looking for brilliant students. Under the Student Profile tab, readers can see how many students are rejected and accepted each year. According to statistics, only 16,412 out of 112,854 applicants succeeded in gaining admission in 2021.
Readers who are ideal at UC Berkeley go beyond studying to use their opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. “And Berkeley is at its best when you bring your whole self: the community you come from, the questions you dare to ask, the challenges you’ve conquered to get here, and the dreams about how you’ll make a difference.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Berkeley also envisions its ideal reader as someone with a strong sense of leadership. Berkeley has a LEAD center, which stands for Leadership, Engagement, Advising, and Development. This center aims to guide students and develop their leadership skills.
Response
The university and its website were successful at conveying its goals to its audience. As a reader, I understood and enjoyed everything I read. Information on the university’s website enhances my understanding of it. Even imagining myself studying at Berkeley was fun for me. Studying at Berkeley is such a privilege and honor for students. By answering some questions about myself during free writing sessions, I discovered that I am a visual learner and that just studying isn’t enough for me to succeed. The resources and opportunities available at UC Berkeley will enable me to do real-life research and experience things from a close perspective. I can participate in a wide variety of majors, activities, organizations, and clubs, so they can explore campus life, gain experience, and have more resources to research. The campus offers several events and activities that I find interesting. Berkeley students will have the opportunity to build strong friendships with students around the world. Berkeley offers all the opportunities I need to excel in my field as a student. I can receive scholarships to continue my education at Berkeley and graduate with top job positions to work in after graduation. I just love everything about Berkeley, and I see a bright future for Berkeley students.
Berkeley’s Female Grads, 2021
Citation:
“Home.” University of California, Berkeley, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.berkeley.edu/.