<p>Significantly inferior? NO ONE is guaranteed admission to a top school, especially an Ivy. Even the most well qualified people must consider these top schools somewhat of a reach. The very fact that Cornell accepted you does not mean it’s significantly inferior, but because the admissions liked what they saw. You’re going to tell me that you’d rather beg to be let into a country club that didn’t see anything special about you when another just as good place is welcoming you with open arms? </p>
<p>Cornell has a lot to offer, especially as an Ivy that Berkeley can’t. Vise versa, Berkeley has things to offer that Cornell can’t. Your decision should be which of these opportunity costs is lower. Not “I heard HAAS beats Cornell in every single way because some ranking told me so I’m going with Cal”. Which of these schools can offer more to you while still giving you a chance to enjoy your life? Consider things, like they did with your application, holistically. ;)</p>
<p>If you’re still set on not going to Cornell, I hope you’ve considered everything first.</p>