<p>Hey guys, in just a few days I have to make a choice between Berk, U of Chicago, and Stanford-- but probably not looking for the same criteria you would think. What I wan't most out of college is an intellectually vibrant community-- constant discussions and debates between well informed kids who ultimately try to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Right now, I'm leaning toward U of Chicago and Stanford's SLE (structured liberal education, a program where a bunch of kids live in the same dorm, attend the same lectures, and speak at the same discussion sessions which allegedly creates a great academic atmosphere) which are both very "nerdy" to a certain extent. Stanford has SLE and U Chic has a strong core and a "Life of the Mind" reputation-- but does Berkeley have anything comparatively to offer? Please don't suggest other things like weather/location/etc... I don't really care between the three.</p>
<p>If you're looking for an intellectually vibrant community...I think Berkeley definitely has it, you just have to look pretty hard. Stanford is probably the better bet.</p>
<p>I don't know if Berkley's general intellectual climate could match my impression of the either SLE or Chicago generally. I've read some posts that have made Chicago similar to other top schools intellectually speaking, but I do think that it's more intellectual than most places. Anyway, you could find it here, but it probably won't not going to be around like it would at SLE. I think you could find it here, most certainly, just not concentrated like SLE, and I"m not too sure about Chicago. You can find the "Life of Mind" here, most certainly, though.</p>
<p>I think if your priority is to be immersed in a common intellectual discussion(s) 24/7 then you should choose Chicago or Stanford SLE over Berkeley. I think either program would be richer in that regard, and you would have an easier time finding like-minded students because they'd be concentrated in your living/learning environment. If, however, you want to be exposed to all types of students and discussions and real-world scenarios, and don't mind seeking out a community of intellectuals both in and out of classrooms, then Berkeley would fit the bill. Chicago is like a think-tank (a lovely one!). Stanford is a suburban oasis and may be a tiny bit over-rated in terms of its intellectual reputation (as a Calif. native, I see it as a place for very well-rounded, bright, accomplished kids who are also pretty well-off financially), however the SLE program sounds very promising from what you describe! Berkeley is Grand Central Station: vibrant, gritty, real-world, with trains that you can hop on and go anywhere, even places you didn't expect. Of the three, Berkeley probably prepares one best for life after college because it requires you to go out and get what you want or need. Shy, lazy or unassertive people might not be very happy in such a place. But according to my son, who is very intellectual, there are more than enough intelligent people to befriend and talk late into the night with.</p>
<p>UChicago. I blogged on their uncommonapp page forever. Their kids are definitely the kids you're looking for. Its the one thing that I think I'll miss out on now that I've chosen Cal as my final decision.</p>
<p>I somewhat disagree with Stanford. I've had quite a bit of experience at Stanford, and from what I've seen (possibly not a representative sample, but from the programs I've taken there) a lot of the people there are intellectual but act less intellectual.</p>
<p>If you want intellectual surroundings, 24/7, with a focus on that, U of Chicago is definately the choice for you.</p>
<p>Well, we are talking about SLE, and not Stanford as a whole, a particular group of self-selected people who will likely be more intellectual and will share many experiences together.</p>
<p>Berkeley is the greatest intellectual hotspot in the world. So great in fact, that most professors at most "elite" undergraduate colleges would encourage their top graduating seniors to go to Berkeley for a Ph.D. Many such students don't get in. Those who do are ecstatic about getting in. They know Berkeley is where its at. But don't think for a second that the intellectual opportunities are only for graduate students. They most certainly are not. All of the dozens of intellectual conferences which Berkeley hosts mosts weeks are open to undergraduates. Many times professors will encourage their undergraduates to go. Whether or not each student chooses to do so and the reasons for such, is a matter of debate. </p>
<p>About Chicago:: Don't believe the stereotype. It's not very true. The academics are too tough for many students to find free time and live the "Life of the Mind" (unless it includes drugs.) <---from what I've heard</p>
<p>berkeley is one of the foremost institutions in the world for grad school, but i think the quality is slightly lacking for undergrad.
i didn't apply to uchicago, so i don't really know that much about it personally. my friend is currently a college freshman, and she was deciding between jhu, uchicago, and cal. she eventually picked u of c and she loves it there.. there's a lot happening in chicago and i remember on her first day she talked about having some of the most intellectually stimulating conversations of her life and how exciting that was. the academics ARE difficult, but if you want to succeed at berkeley, they're probably just as rigorous.</p>
<p>from everything that Ive heard, from friends that go there, you have to look for the intellect at berkeley. there are simply too many people there for them all to be approachable+smart+informed+not apathetic. personally, i am crossing my fingers so that I might get in on appeals in the next couple days, but it isnt because i think that everyone there will be amazing to talk to. like a few people have said above, berkeley is one of the only true-to-life (or at least close) microcosms of the world. u. chicago is fine (personally i hate stanford), but for a REAL experience, go Cal all the way. if we both get there, i promise to have an intellectually stimulating conversation with you every once in a while if you cant find it elsewhere (come on, 30,000 students?)</p>
<p>22,000 undergrads, and the 10,000 or so grads are going to be freaking bright in general. Really, if you're having trouble finding intellectual conversation, just want more, or anything, grad students are great (it does vary by student and sometime by field (I'd take the English Lit guys over the MBA guys, nothing against either, but few graduate students here don't have something intelligent about them).</p>
<p>again, it was from what i could tell. i also kept up with the uncommon app blog, and a lot of it was debating stuff i couldn't begin to comprehend. very interesting, though. also, judging by the actually app, i would assume that chicago is looking for a very different kind of student. i have heard that grades are not so important in the admissions process, and the essays were really, really weird.</p>