<p>I have been accepted into Cal, NW, and Cornell, and I need some advise on which to choose. My criteria for choosing is 1. the best experience and 2. the best for my major of Political Science with an emphasis on foreign service. My views so far:</p>
<p>Berkeley: Pro’s: college life, prestige, price. Con’s: Huge student body
Northwestern: Pro’s: Chicago, small student body. Con’s: Color is purple, weird prestige
Cornell: Pro’s: Ivy, nice campus, the color red. Con’s: weird prestige, is it worth it to be so far from home?, huge student body</p>
<p>When I say weird prestige, I mean that they’re prestigeous, but not always…</p>
<p>Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>NOTE: money isn't really a big factor. After aid, they're all similar. I'm mainly concerned with the best place for my major, so I have a good shot at grad school</p>
<p>I chose Berkeley over Wharton and Cornell back in the mid 90's. </p>
<p>When I traveled overseas on business, in Asia and Europe, Berkeley has a tremendous prestige value. </p>
<p>Most people in Asia and Europe have never heard of Northwestern. But Cornell has a decent reputation overseas. Not as good as Berkeley, but better than Northwestern because Cornell is the best ivy league for science. Cornell if re-located to California would be ranked after Berkeley, UCLA, UCSF, UCSD, Cal Tech, Harvey Mudd, and Stanfurd in the sciences.</p>
<p>My friend who went to Cal transferred to Cornell and after one year, came back to Cal because he regretted going there. Also my friends at Northwestern right now really hate Chicago and the school (they say the weather is unbearable, campus life is miserable, and there is no real atmosphere of progressive discussion/research you associate with a top notch education), and really wish they went to UCLA instead of Northwestern.</p>
<p>doesn't anyone have any advice for me?</p>
<p>I don't have any advice because I'm in the same dilemna! (Berkeley vs. Northwestern) The only difference is my major, which is Materials Science and Engineering.</p>
<p>From what ive heard Cornell can be depressing especially in the winter, though honestly nothing comes even close to CA weather. NW is an awesome school and nothing to scoff at, but if it was me id take Cal. Yes NW is 11th in the country and Cal is 21st, but i think at this point a degree from any of them is an outstanding thing. Youll never find a place more political than Berkeley i dont think btw... If getting out of CA is alright for you and youd like to take the NW route then hey go for it i doubt youll be disappointed. Good luck with whichever you decide :)</p>