Berkeley or NYU?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi,

I’m an Asian senior at a small, co-ed boarding school in SoCal and I am considering between Berkeley and NYU Stern. Both are obviously great schools but I have no idea where I want to go. I was dead set on doing finance but now I’m not so sure. My parents want me to go to Berkeley for the prestige, cost considerations, and job prospects, but I am leaning towards NYU as I feel it is a better fit for me, but it is only a slight edge.

I don’t know man pls help

2

NYU-Stern for finance is quite prestigious; maybe not in Southern California, but it sure is on Wall Street.

3

How significant are the cost considerations? I.e. what will they contribute, and what is your net price at each school?

4

NYC is a great place to be if finance is in your future. Plus NYU is an excellent school.

5

Berkeley Haas is really good, and the weather wouldn’t be as much as a shock to you, if that matters. I’d go to Berkeley, unless you specifically want to work in NYC or elsewhere in the Northeast.

6

What is the price difference? Can your family afford both schools with no loans/no hardship?

7

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies. I’m in-state with no aid for Cal, and I have a scholarship for Stern worth about 26k a year. My parents changed their mind and are saying they don’t mind paying anymore.

Berkeley offers more flexibility if I end up hating finance, but I would probably end up majoring in economics anyway (+ if I don’t get into Haas, which is a likely outcome). NY is the better city to me but the lack of a genuine college experience also gives Berkeley some points. And being Chinese in California is better than being in Chinese in NY in terms of job prospects. That being said, I feel like NYU is a better fit for me but Berkeley isn’t necessarily a bad one.

Finally, my parents already spent a lot of money paying for boarding school (I have lived in Hong Kong/Shanghai) and going to NYU does not justify that decision while going to Berkeley does ■■■■■

What would you do if you were in my position?

Thanks

8

This is your life.

Both are very prestigious.

If truly undecided, then go where you are most comfortable.

P.S. NYU-Stern for finance is much more respected & prestigious than you suggest. But concern over a lack of a traditional college campus is understandable.