Berkeley vs. Cornell, Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>I'm currently debating between the two for engineering, probably mechanical. I am in-state, but I haven't received financial aid statement from either yet. However, I think fin aid will make both universities cost about the same. Before you unanimously vote for Berkeley, please read over my concerns.</p>

<p>These are the strengths/weaknesses I found for each school:</p>

<p>Berkeley:
+Top public
+Ranked 3rd engineering
+Nice setting/weather, stuff to do around campus/in bay area
+Lots of companies nearby (Silicon Valley) to intern in, etc.
+Opportunity to network more, and possibly attend Haas as well (though very difficult to double major)
-Very competitive, especially when it comes to research opportunity and internship opportunity
-The sheer size causes impersonal treatment to students; lack of adivising, counselling, etc</p>

<p>Cornell
+Highly ranked school as well
+Has good engineering program
+Smaller size and private university cause more opportunity for research, co-op and internship
+Faculty adviser, etc.
+Not as competitive
+Good food
-Bad weather (I like snow, but not that much)
-Secluded from the rest of the world</p>

<p>Can someone add to the list, or verify the validity of my claims? I am looking for a university that gives me a good education, which no doubt both do offer. Also, I am planning to go to grad school after, so I would like to go to a school that is well-represented in grad school admissions, and prepare students willing to take this route. Which school would be good?</p>

2

<p>bump... anyone?</p>

3

<p>cornell engineering is also really competitive... if you're worried about studying and such, it'll pretty much be the same at either school. your last negative isn't really all that bad as you think it'd be. last wednesday, i met with my academic advisor who goes over what classes you want to take next semester. guess what? there were 8 people to 1 advisor! she also bought us pizza and soda for lunch. it was an hour session in which we could ask questions about how to do well in college and how to get involved in research. it was pretty awesome (this is coming from someone in his second semester at cal)</p>

4

<p>I think if you're the type of person who is willing to go the extra mile you will do well at Cal. The other thing is that Cornell's a pretty big school as well, and I believe that Cal statistically has smaller classes. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but if they're dead even in your eyes you should wait for Fin. Aid offers and go to the cheaper one.</p>