So I just got accepted off the waitlist for UC Berkeley and now I’m a bit torn… I already SIRed to Cornell and I was looking forward to going there but rejecting Berkeley now would also potentially mean a missed opportunity. I’m majoring in computer science and while cornell’s school of engineering does have a really good program, it still doesn’t match up to eecs at berkeley. I live in SoCal so Cal is A LOT closer, but since I wouldn’t really count on going home besides during breaks how much difference does distance actually make? I know the environment is probably really different at both, but since I haven’t experienced either, I can’t really say which would suit me better…I honestly don’t have any idea what to do or what factors I should even base this off of, and ANYTHING anyone has to say on this would help so much!!! thanks guys!!!
If money is an issue, go to UC Berkeley (even traveling back and fourth would be cheaper). Also, consider the difference in weather. Otherwise, both schools are excellent for your major.
You say you have not experienced either? Have you even gone to visit Berkeley? I would say that is the first logical step in your decision. When do you have to tell them your answer by?
Cost differences? I think the two schools are comparable. And years ago very few kids visited schools before attending them.
Did you get accepted directly into Berkeley’s Engineering program or the CS through L&S?
Your potential major and the low probability of changing majors should be taken into full consideration.
If you’ve been admitted into L&S at UCB, your chances of transferring into engineering is very low. If you’ve been admitting into the program that you want, that’s a factor that might make a difference. Same for Cornell. Were you admitted into the major that you were hoping for?
Cost should also be a factor. Instate at UCB is around $36k total COA, while Cornell is around $65.5k total COA. Did Cornell provide you with any aid? How much will the four-year cost of attendance at each school be?
Both schools will provide tremendous opportunities, so don’t feel as if you’ll be missing anything,
regardless of which you choose.
Good luck.
thanks everyone for the feedback! @hop I was accepted into cs in the college of engineering for both schools and it’s so hard to choose because they’re both such great programs! I’ll definitely keep looking into it and hopefully I can make a confident decision by the 13th next week which is the deadline!
Have you gotten any additional insight from the parallel thread, “Cornell vs. UC-Berkeley?” Wishing you luck also.