Berkeley or Northwestern

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<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>Thanks for the help!</p>

2

<p>My DD had the same dilemma-she decided a couple of factors weighed in NU’s favor:

  1. Opportunity to live in a place that had seasons-very different from the Bay Area
  2. Smaller campus/smaller classes
  3. Wanted to make sure to graduate in 4 years, rather than risk a 5th because she couldn’t get a class she might need to graduate in 4 years.
  4. She had attended a public urban high school-wanted to experience a private school atmosphere.
  5. Found the students at NU to be collaborative and liked the overall “vibe” of NU(the latter being more subjective than objective in defense of Cal)
  6. Dad went to Cal…enuf said… =)</p>
3

<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>

4

<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>

5

<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>

6

<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>

7

<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>

8

<p>Greenbananas, I’m leaning towards Northwestern. You should come to Northwestern with me!</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for the helpful advice. I think chances are good that I’ll be a wildcat next year!</p>

9

<p>If anyone wants to weigh in on Northwestern vs. UCLA (out of state) for social sciences you are welcome to do so!</p>

10

<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>

11

<p>i have the same dilemma and after visiting berkeley this weekend i am pretty set on NU.</p>

12

<p>Thanks Sam!</p>

13

<p>As tenisghs would say to you greenbananas; “go to the undergraduate school that is cheaper.” Berkeley over NU in your case.</p>

14

<p>How about English major? My DD is deciding between Berkeley and NU. NU is double the cost. Is it worth it?</p>

15

<p>it is so worth it.</p>

16

<p>juufuu,</p>

<p>3000 vs 6000? Yes. 25000 vs 50000? No.</p>

17

<p>juufuu,
if money is the main criterian, then Sam Lee is on target.
We found money to just one component, and not the main decision criteria.</p>

18

<p>Thanks. 4 years = extra cost of 100k+ for NU.</p>

19

<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>

20

<p>if anyone can help me out with regard to going premed at these two schools i would really appreciate it!</p>