<p>So I'm quite torn here. I'm pretty sure I want to do science (physics or chem, possibly math), but I haven't ruled out pursuing engineering (aerospace, chemical, materials, mechanical). </p>
<p>I've been accepted to:</p>
<p>UC Berkeley- top choice academically probably, but I don't know if I would like the environment, plan to visit in April. </p>
<p>UCLA (applying for honors) - also very strong academically, but don't think it's up to par with Berkeley for what I want to do. Also, don't like the sun quite that much, and I might not like such a party-inclined atmosphere. Will be unable to visit in April. </p>
<p>UIUC (Honors)- Not incredibly prestigious, but quite good. Slightly cheaper than UCs, but not by much.
Iowa State (probably will be honors) - No reputation really for sciences, but strong engineering (which I was accepted for). Main thing is, comfortable small town setting and getting some hefty aid for NMF. </p>
<p>Right now, I'm leaning towards Berkeley. Academic strength is pretty important to me, as well as research opportunities, and I think Berkeley is on top for that. (Doesn't hurt that their chem department has such a tremendous history.. ) Money is not a huge concern, but I don't want to spend more than I'd need to either. </p>
<p>Any advice?</p>
<p>Are you in-state for any of your options?</p>
<p>Berkeley does have the best engineering rep, followed by UIUC.
The environments are all quite different.
If out-of-pocket-costs are roughly equal, I would visit your top choices and figure from there. The choice will become clearer after you visit.</p>
<p>Are you visiting Berkeley during Cal Day? It’s a fun, open house environment and many people are around to answer your questions.</p>
<p>In state for Iowa State.</p>
<p>I do know that Berkeley has the best reputation for engineering, but I did apply as an undecided science major to Berkeley and UCLA, general undecided to UIUC, and engineering to Iowa State, because I think I am still more interested in science than engineering.</p>
<p>I understand the environments are different, so I’m visiting Berkeley in a few weeks for OHS. I do like small towns, which Iowa State and UIUC work for, but I don’t know if I’ll like the Bay Area yet- I’ll see after I visit. </p>
<p>Costs, as they stand, are equal for my OOS options, about 7-10 times the cost of in-state. I can’t visit UCLA though, but I’ve visited UIUC and will visit Iowa State and Berkeley. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend Cal Day. Hoping OHS is enough. </p>
<p>If you’re from Iowa, the environment at UIUC will be similar if that will make you more comfortable. Berkeley will be very different - more urban, progressive, etc. UCLA has the look of an east coast school with the personality of SoCal. For engineering, Berkeley and UIUC are best, but Iowa does have a strong school too. You have some great choices!</p>
<p>Iowa State is generally considered quite good for engineering, and at least respectable in the sciences.</p>
<p>Note that if you are not in the engineering division at Berkeley or UCLA, switching into the engineering division can be difficult (high GPA needed, competitive admissions).</p>
<p>What kind of net price are you looking at for each school, and how much debt would be involved?</p>
<p>I would like to stress that my main study interests are pure science (physics and chemistry), not engineering… I did like UIUC’s environment, but I’ve also lived in larger cities and am thinking I might also like Berkeley’s environment just as much, though I’m not sure about UCLA’s environment. </p>
<p>I am worried that “at least respectable” won’t quite cut it when I’m looking for jobs in the future… I do think that I would happily stick with pure science if I go to UCLA/UCB, and not try to transfer into engineering. </p>
<p>Iowa State <7000/yr
UIUC is around 45000 a year, hoping to lobby to get that lowered
Berkeley and UCLA both like 55000/year
No debt (family can afford it- I can borrow money from parents with no interest, worst case. Best case, they pay for all of it :D) </p>
<p>Be aware that the chemistry job outlook is not particularly good (chemical engineering is somewhat better). Physics majors do somewhat better, but often as “smart people who can think mathematically or logically” shifting into jobs involving computers, engineering, or finance.</p>
<p><a href=“University Graduate Career Surveys - #69 by ucbalumnus - Career Opportunities & Internships - College Confidential Forums”>University Graduate Career Surveys - #69 by ucbalumnus - Career Opportunities & Internships - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Well, I figure if it does come to that, a degree in chemistry might just lead into a graduate degree in chemical engineering (unless I go to Iowa State, then I’d just go for chemical engineering). I was also thinking somewhat the same thing for physics: I really enjoy it, and I’d like to study it in undergrad. But I also wouldn’t mind moving on to engineering or finance later in life. But for now, I think it’s personally worth it to pursue my strongest interests and see where it takes me. </p>