Berkeley vs UT-Austin??

<p>So I got into Cal Berkeley. The problem is that for OOS it's about 50 grand a year, may end up being even more. They didn't give me any money. </p>

<p>I live in Houston and have the Texas Tommorow Fund, tuition in Texas is free. I actually got caped from UT-Austin, but I would take summer school and ACC in the fall and be in in January. </p>

<p>At Berkeley, I'm in architecture, something that I don't want to do. It is a tough major that is hard from the beginning and I may be stuck in it for a while. But it is Berkeley. </p>

<p>Just wanted to know some thoughts and opinions on the ACC thing if anyone knows of others who have done it, and on my situation in general. Thanks.</p>

<p>Berkeley is a foggy urban society, not so much in my taste (but that's only IMO). If cost is the main problem, then might as well do CAP, and then take your Berkeley acceptance letter and laminate it. Since you're gonna be in a major you don't like (I wonder why), then chances are you won't like it in going to school at Berkeley, so consider that. But right now, it seems like you'll like it more stuck here then get bogged down there.</p>

<p>and for some reason I have two ACC in my mind</p>

<p>I'm in architecture, something I thought I might like to do at the time when I applied, but have decided against that. It's a major with a lot of work right off the bat, which is why I'm so hesitant. And Sedna, what is it that you said about ACC?</p>

<p>OH I was thinking of Austin Community College and Abilene Christian College for some reason.</p>

<p>You cannot do CAP at ACC. You can attend ACC and then transfer, or you can do CAP at any UT system school except UT Dallas.</p>

<p>If you got into Berkeley I would seriously consider that. Did you get any need based aid? Or outside scholarships?</p>

<p>UT is a great school but Berkeley vs ACC is absolutely no comparision.</p>

<p>No I didn't get any money to Berkeley. I would be at UT in the spring semester, ACC is just temporary to fulfill the hours needed. It's convenience more than anything, I wouldn't have to move from anywhere if I go to UT in the spring.</p>

<p>so you are guaranteed UT if you go to summer school and then ACC in the fall, correct? then go to UT.</p>

<p>There is NO guaranteed entry program through ACC. BUT if you have the hours and the GPA it won't be too hard.</p>

<p>Transfer admission at UT is based almost entirely on GPA, so if you go to ACC and gets good grades (if you got into Berkeley, I'm assuming you are capable of this) you can transfer.</p>

<p>But there is no guarantee. UT could not like your essays and reject you.</p>

<p>I think Berkeley is an amazing school but if you are positive that you will work hard and be able to get into UT, than UT is also an amazing school and you will do well with either.</p>

<p>50k a year for undergrad is way too much, especially when you consider the difference in cost of living.</p>

<p>thanks a lot for the advice. I think I am going to take the ACC for a semester route and be in UT in January. I have talked to people who did this and it seems to work out fine. Berkeley was just not worth that insane amount of money when UT is a great school too</p>

<p>You are going to need 30 hours of credit to transfer. So you may want to look into 12 summer hours and 18 fall hours if you want to enter in January. I would personally recommend waiting until Fall 09.</p>

<p>Otherwise you would be considered as a freshman applicant and I'm pretty sure you'd have to wait until Fall '09 to enter.</p>

<p>Would his AP credits count or does it have to be 30 credits from sitting in a college classroom?</p>

<p>Yes as far as I can tell you can use any credit earned while in high school, so you likely could use APs. It will depend on whether the CC will give you AP credit.</p>

<p>I would like to help you, but it seems that you haven't stated what major you plan on doing now. If you plan on doing something like business or engineering then I'd probably say go to UT because the gap between Cal and UT are minimal. If you want to do pretty much anything else though, I'd say that the academic benefits outweigh the financial cost at Berkeley.</p>