Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice. I got into Barnard and UC Berkeley for Environmental Science, and I am currently trying to decide between the two. While financial aid is a factor (I am currently appealing for more aid at Barnard), I’d like some help deciding between the two regardless of cost. I’m a CA resident and was really hoping to get out of California for college and try something new, and I’d love to live in a place like NYC. I think that Barnard would be a wonderful school for me, and in terms of the size, location, type of school, etc. I think that Barnard is the perfect match. However, as an environmental science major, I believe that UC Berkeley has the better environmental program of the two schools, and I’m thinking that a degree in environmental science from Berkeley will be worth more than a degree in that subject from Barnard. Should I prioritize the academics or the personality aspects of the school when deciding? Obviously college is for academics, but I do think that it’s important that I fit in and am comfortable at the school I choose. If I don’t get more aid at Barnard then I will be going to Berkeley regardless of my personal preference, but I’d like some advice nonetheless. I also got into UCLA, and though I think I’d like to go to UCB over LA, should I still consider UCLA? Also, just a disclaimer, I am VERY grateful to have gotten into all of these schools, and I am not at all trying to come across as turning my nose up at Berkeley or UCLA! I’d be stoked to go to any of them! Thank you!
Also, I was waitlisted at Columbia, Harvard, Northwestern, and UChicago. While I have to commit to a college before I hear back from those schools, if I do get into one of them, do you think that I should go there rather than Barnard or Berkeley? Keeping in mind that I’m majoring in environmental science.
If admitted to Harvard, then Harvard should receive very serious consideration as should Columbia, Northwestern, and Chicago above your two current options if they offer your desired major.
Both Barnard College & Berkeley are outstanding schools. My best guess is that Berkeley is better for your major, while Barnard might be better for your personal growth.
Thank you so much! I agree. Though Berkeley is better in EnviroSci I think, at Barnard, I would have smaller classes, more research opportunities with professors as an undergrad student, and I’d also have access to the environmental classes and programs at Columbia.
Of your existing choices, UCB has the strongest reputation in environmental science.
I think UCLA can be safely dropped from consideration (UCSC, for perspective, might be better for your field of study).
Harvard should be considered if you are accepted.
However, since you obviously appear excited by the prospect of studying in NYC, I think you should give full consideration to Barnard, provided your finances can be aligned with its cost of attendance.
Assuming finaid comes through I would choose Barnard. You will get a wonderful well rounded education and a lot of individual attention and opportunities. Besides you might change your major (most do). I am not a fan of holding out for waitlists. Generally none or single digits get off the waitlist and it keeps students from emotionally committing to their May 1 choice school.
Came across this, have no idea if you’ve made up your mind. My daughter is a Barnard student. I’ve lived in Manhattan and the East Bay (SF and the Valley). I have more than a few friends who went to Cal and a friend’s son is a first year there.
It’s really about fit. You can major in Environmental at Barnard via Columbia College. Berkeley may impress some people, but Barnard/Columbia have Ivy League status. Where will you be happy, assuming financial aid doesn’t decide for you?
Barnard gives you a close knit, elite, highly diverse and dynamic 7 sisters school plus an Ivy League university in NYC. The best of liberal arts plus a research powerhouse. You’ll have a real college community at Barnard. An advisor who knows you. Incredible support. Small classes taught by professors. An atmosphere of female empowerment. Guaranteed student housing in Manhattan. Clubs, resources shared with Columbia. You can graduate in 4 years. The school isn’t oversubscribed.
Berkeley, like Columbia is a big school. It’s STEM focused. Female empowerment is not the focus. TA’s teach undergrads, not the Nobel Prize winners. Classes are not small seminars. I love the Bay Area, can’t beat the weather, but the cultural scene is nothing compared to Manhattan. When I lived in the Bay Area, San Francisco was “The City.” Once I moved to Manhattan it became San Francisco. NYC is a CITY. Berkeley is a mellow college town. Very charming.
As a Californian, I hated the weather in NYC, but it’s the only place in the US where I have never been bored. My daughter says she wants to live in NYC. I understand. Having lived in both places, I think NYC is a great place for college, a great place for your 20s. Long term, I’d rather live in Berkeley.
The dilemma you have is a wonderful thing. Best of luck to you, my dear.
Thank you so much for your reply! Though I was leaning towards Barnard, the financial aid didn’t come through the way I needed it to so I committed to Berkeley. I think that especially for what I want to study Berkeley is a great school and I’m excited to attend! It’s not where I expected to go to college but I think that it all worked out the way it did for a reason and I know I’ll be right at home with the rest of the climate activists! 