<p>Nspeds--your point about less competition (which really is in all 5 of your points) can be turned around. One can easily argue he/she would rather have more students and more competition in order to be continually pushed to higher levels. There are, of course, many other benefits to having more students.</p>
<p>It seems that the city analogy makes sense. Many prefer to live in a city, while others like a small-town atmosphere--personal preference.</p>
<p>well if your major is computer science, you can stay in berkeley and go to Stanford for you Master Degree. Wiser choice</p>
<p>My major is English actually. The only reason I was even thinking of Stanford is that, if I were indeed to transfer, Stanford would be geographically a very convenient move. lol obviously that is a stupid reason for transferring..but i'm very conflicted about Cal at this point so my logic is a bit messed up. but wondering, if you could not afford a school, would you stay and graduate in 3 years or transfer out?</p>
<p>How about Amherst....:P</p>
<p>You might as well apply so you have the option and then see if you get accepted.</p>
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Nspeds--your point about less competition (which really is in all 5 of your points) can be turned around. One can easily argue he/she would rather have more students and more competition in order to be continually pushed to higher levels.
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<p>Not necessarily. The sort of competition you describe is good competition, and I do not mind that in the least. The only problem is that it can become rather duplicitous, with students engaging in subterfuge merely to get a higher grade. With UCB maintaining a strict grade distribution, some students are going to earn Cs, some are going to earn Bs, and some are going to earn As. Students will fight for the As.</p>
<p>At Georgetown, I have not seen such a pressure yet. Professors hand out As when students earn them, not when some committee wants them to do so.</p>
<p>This is a problem that you will see at nearly all large state schools: they try to maintain bell-curves on grade distribution, and it is unfair for those students who are earnest in their effort, but are placed in the hind end of a strained grading system.</p>
<p>Of course, no harsh constraints on grade distribution has its negative aspects: professors can be arbitrary in giving out As and A-s, and some do not give them out at all. It is very difficult to earn an A-/A here.</p>
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It seems that the city analogy makes sense. Many prefer to live in a city, while others like a small-town atmosphere--personal preference.
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<p>Yes. It comes down to preference. </p>
<p>However, I believe that when it comes to learning, large universities simply do not suffice. There is something to be gained in small private schools, and high-ranking state schools such as UMich, UCB, and UCLA seem to be missing something.</p>