<p>I've narrowed down my choices to Berkeley and Kenyon College. I am planning to major in English, and I know that both schools have great departments, but other than that, they could not be more different! My concerns with Berkeley are (1) large student body, and (2) urban location. I always thought that I would prefer a more rural campus with fewer students (introvert-friendly), but the Berkeley opportunity might just be too good to pass up. I am visiting both campuses soon, but I am imagine that some CCers might be struggling/have struggled with a similar dilemma. I would love to hear your experiences/advice!</p>
<p>Hey I’m trying to decide between lewis and clark and cal</p>
<p>I’m a science major so the competition factor weighs in</p>
<p>Also I’m concerned about private vs public aspect for some things. It’s a hard choice but I’m visiting both soon to make my decision</p>
<p>I’m glad to know other people are facing a similar dilemma. I do feel that Kenyon (or LACs in general) might be a slightly better fit for my personality and beliefs, but it would be cheaper (and closer to home) for me to go to Cal. Especially in this economy, I am concerned about taking on debt/not having a “recognizable” degree.</p>
<p>How much for each school? Planning on grad school?</p>
<p>Quoting part of my own post from another thread-</p>
<p>“The right fit is everything, in choice of school as well as in job, choice of marriage partner, buying (or not buying) the right house, etc.
…Case in point: (just another anecdote, I know- but it makes my point) DD of a friend who transferred from an uber-selective tiny LAC after a bout of terrible depression the first two years there- the school felt claustrophobic, snooty, class choices seems paltry to her, the community was “vanilla toast,” the weather was dismal… you get the gist of it. All subjective.
She’ll graduate from UC Berkeley this June. She was so happy there. The town is “hopping,” the people are “so interesting,” the class choices are “amazing,” most teachers and even the graduate students who assist them were “fascinating people,” and the weather- “best in the world- perennial spring.” Granted, she never lived in the dorms, neither the nice ones nor the crammed ones. I know her experience because I was asked by her parent to be of assistance because of where we live. She is a renter sharing a house not far from campus with a few others. Money was not an issue for this family, so her living conditions are very nice. She is best friends with two of her house mates.” </p>
<p>{This thread was about someone who found Berkeley to be a living hell, and the source of their mental disintegration. Really, mental illness is no small thing, nor was UC Berkeley responsible or the cause of it.}
Different fit, different perception, different take.
Do make sure it is the right fit and not “the brand.” I realize when you are at this junction it is difficult, but this is where your real intelligence will shine: your wise choices.</p>
<p>TheBanker: I am definitely planning to attend grad school immediately after undergrad, and I feel confident that I could attend Berkeley debt-free (or nearly so). Kenyon would make me take out about $20,000 in loans over 4 years. </p>
<p>205mom: Thank you for sharing that story. I too read that thread and I must admit that it scared me a little bit! College is such a subjective experience, and I think it’s also important to go in with a positive outlook. Unfortunately, not all students have that luxury…</p>
<p>By “grad school” do you mean a PhD program in English, or some sort of expensive professional school (e.g. law or medicine)?</p>
<p>$20,000 total student loan debt is not generally considered “too much”, but given that English is one of those majors with low paying job prospects, it may be prudent to consider how much debt you really want to handle.</p>