Berkeley vs. Michigan (Ann Arbor)

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

<p>I have been accepted to both Berkeley (L&S) and Michigan (LSA, honors pending), out of state, and am planning to major in mathematics and/or physics. Michigan has always been one of my top choices, and I have heard great things about their programs in the sciences—however, I have also heard quite a bit about the quality of Berkeley's science programs. I am potentially attending both schools as an undergrad, however, and I am inclined to believe that both schools emphasize graduate studies more. I am very conflicted on this, and although I am seriously considering Berkeley, I am also worried about how California budget cuts might give the upper hand to Mich (though Michigan must have budget issues of its own?). I have received no aid at either school, and will be paying sticker, but money is not a large issue.</p>

<p>Please help??</p>

2

<p>Anybody???</p>

3

<p>If money is not an issue, I would go to Berkeley. Budget cuts have not really had a significant impact except on tuition. Do you have a chance to visit both schools? Now I have never been to Michigan, but I would imagine that Ann Arbor is quite different from Berkeley.</p>

4

<p>Berkeley for a math major, hands down.</p>

<p>I’m sure you are familiar with this-
[Mathematics-Academic</a> Rankings of World Universities (ARWU)2010-Top Universities](<a href=“http://www.university-list.net/rank/univ-110044.html]Mathematics-Academic”>Electrical & Electronic Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018 | Top Universities | Best Universities P2/4 - Education Rankings)</p>

<p>The two UC flagship campuses will not be affected much when it comes to the solid majors.</p>

<p>If you have dreamt of going to Michigan for other, non-academic reasons, it is an excellent university and you should follow your dreams.</p>

<p>Congratulations on such good options.</p>

5

<p>I do not believe Berkeley wins hands down, as a math major here. U. Michigan has a great math department. You should not pick here based on department strength, but rather on where you want to be. I do not know about physics so you should think about that and ask around.</p>

<p>They are both large schools with a large distribution of faculty in the major fields. If you want to attend grad school, it will be up to what you do, not your school of origin, if you are choosing between those two schools (I might have said differently if they were different schools).</p>

6

<p>Both are equally good:) I have been to both the places. I liked the environment at Michigan. Very friendly student body and a superb college town atmosphere.</p>

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<p>An update- I was accepted into Michigan’s honors program (LSA).</p>

8

<p>Ooh then I would pick Michigan. I was listening to a dean of one of their graduate schools speak the other day and she said that the undergrad was pretty similar to Berkeley’s (classes, environment, etc). Dunno how true that is, but Mich has been top 5 in pub unis for a few years now. </p>

<p>But really, go where you would like/see yourself comfortable at.</p>