<p>It's getting down to the last couple of days before I have to decide, and I am in need of some outside opinion as to which school is better for me. I got into the Engineering college for both schools, and I have not received financial aid packages from either (since something was wrong with my application) but I am sure that, since I am out of state, Cornell will give me more. However, when it comes to education, my mother said that money is not a huge worry.</p>
<p>Now comes the real deals that matter to me.
I'm looking for:</p>
<p>Ranking (both the university in general and specifically engineering)
Prestige
Engineering education
Competitiveness
International reputation (since I might go back to China for work if it's the best option)
Friendliness/Atmosphere
Racism? (I like no racism, of course haha)</p>
<p>Weather really is not a big deal for me. I am from Wisconsin so it can only stay as is or get better from here.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for any feedback!</p>
<p>The engineering prestige and education here at Berkeley is pretty much as good as it gets. If you do well here, you will have no trouble obtaining a job or admission to top graduate schools. </p>
<p>Berkeley engineering students are moderately competitive, but not nearly as competitive as the premed students. Most people I’ve met are very willing to help each other out, and I’ve never heard of any sort of sabotaging or anything like that. </p>
<p>Berkeley’s international reputation is probably a lot better than it’s reputation within the US, and probably a lot stronger than Cornell’s as well. You would find many, many employers in China that would know about Berkeley.</p>
<p>Personally, I’ve found Berkeley to be a really friendly place with an atmosphere that is conducive to both having fun and studying at the same time. One nice thing about being at a large school is that you’ll always be able to find people that share your interests and goals. </p>
<p>I’ve also never experienced racism here. Berkeley is a very diverse city, and that is certainly reflected in the university as well.</p>