<p>I got accepted into both and I need some help deciding. Which would provide an overall better undergraduate education in economics? Financially, they are comparable (NU is only slightly more, but affordable). I'm worried about the large, impersonal, and cutthroat nature of Berkeley. I also live 15 minutes away from Berkeley. Oh, and cold weather doesn't bother me.</p>
<p>Chicago is an awesome city. Aren’t you sick of the Bay Area already? Also, at NU, you can sample, switch major, double-major, add a minor easily…you may not find that kind of flexibility at Berkeley.</p>
<p>I would definitely consider Northwestern. There are many Californian students attending NU, so you won’t feel isolated. As Sam Lee said, NU offers lots of flexibility with a smaller campus on the lake.</p>
<p>Make sure you actually don’t mind cold weather. I’ve lived in Chicago all my life, and I’ve committed to NU, but I’m still anxious about the winter aspect of living in Evanston because I know how cold it gets here and anyone will tell you that it’s not that fun. Some people may argue otherwise but I do think weather should factor into your decision because it can definitely affect your happiness if you’re accustomed to a warmer climate with many hours of daylight. Obviously, picking a college is more than just picking an academic program. You’ll be choosing the place that you will live in for the next 4 years.</p>
<p>I’m trying to pick between Northwestern and Berkeley as well!
I’m from socal, but what I’m most worried about is the cold weather at Northwestern. I’ve visited both campuses, and I really can’t seem to decide where to go, but at the moment, I think i may be leaning more towards Berkeley.
What are you leaning more towards?</p>
<p>Well, I grew up in Hong Kong and I don’t like cold weather. But when I was at NU, the cold weather didn’t make me (or anyone from Hong Kong) depressed or anything. I can’t say I enjoyed it but it’s really not as big of a deal as you think. Also, keep in mind, the cold weather applies mostly to the winter quarter.</p>
<p>It’s hard to say which one is better. But I’d suggest you to research the “potential” issues associated with UCLA’s size: flexibility to switch majors and actual size of the classes. According to an article published by UCLA’s econ department, there were about 700 econ majors per year. At NU, that number is about 200-250. That article was actually an internal critque of its undergrad econ; they compared their numbers with those of other schools like UChicago and Northwestern. Apparently, they seemed to think size mattered. Also, you may want to find out what the state budget crisis means for UCLA.</p>
<p>hi, i was hoping i could get some help too. </p>
<p>i’m deciding between berkeley and northwestern as a bio major going premed.</p>
<p>financial aid makes them both about equally affordable, and i like both of their locations.</p>
<p>which school will give me a better education (less grade inflation, helpful professors/smaller classes) and which will look better when I am applying to med school?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help! i’m really torn so i’ll appreciate any feedback.</p>