Berkeley vs. Columbia for Chemistry/Applied Physics

<p>Hi all, I'm having a lot of trouble deciding between Berkeley College of Chemistry, where I would major in Chemistry, and Columbia SEAS, where I would major in Applied Math/Physics. (I'm interested in doing fusion/fission power, but that's quite a ways away.)</p>

<p>Some Background:
I'm in-state, and got no financial aid from either (pending some changes), so we're looking at a 30k difference.</p>

<p>I'm probably going to grad school, so I'm interested in getting a strong, broad foundation in theoretical and applied science, rather than an education focused on entering industry.</p>

<p>I am very interested in achieving a breadth of education in the liberal arts as well.</p>

<p>A Few Questions on My Mind:
Is Berkeley College of Chemistry like a small CalTech within a public campus, i.e. where everyone is highly specialized and focused on science at the expense of all other pursuits?</p>

<p>Is Columbia Applied Math/Physics a breeding ground for quants, and is that reflected in the education I will receive?</p>

<p>Is there anything that one school has that is impossible, or at least very difficult, to find at the other? (It's been hard to find tangible differences between them)</p>

<p>Your help is appreciated.</p>

<p>My situation is quite similar to yours. I choose Cal over Columbia because Cal has better engineering program. I think the 30k difference is quite huge so Cal seems to be the better choice.</p>