<p>First Scenario
Okay! Assuming I only have to choose between Berkeley or University of Chicago, which would be a better choice? Do not judge by rank, because Berkeley is top 10 in most of its fields. I want opinions that evaluate these two colleges overall.</p>
<p>Second Scenario
I have to choose between Berkeley, University of Chicago, and Stanford. Again, I only want opinions that evaluate these three institutions overall.</p>
<p>Thanks for your opinions! As long as they're coherent, I appreciate them.</p>
<p>Well I will do the Berkeley versus Chicago. The climates are probably vastly different so you might wonder if you like the cold in Chicago. I am from Texas so i am not sure if it snows in Berkeley but the weather is probably alot different than in Chicago. Another thing i hear is the whole concept that Chicago is where fun goes to die which would be a turnoff. Berkeley is a very political school from what I hear with a distinct left bent if that would be a concern if you are apolitical or conservative. </p>
<p>I think finances should be the main determinant because you can be successful from either of these schools, as well as the exact major. I mean engineering Berkeley is better than engineering UChicago or something to that extent.</p>
<p>If it is the third option, Stanford hands down don’t even think about it twice. Unless finances are an issue in which case I vote choose the cheaper option. </p>
<p>The two schools are so different, a simple visit (if you can afford it) to each respective campus will more than sufficient unless you are really unsure… since if you are going to live at one of these campuses for the next 4 yrs of your life… it will be worthwhile fo sho.</p>
<p>Berkeley would be the cheapest (if you’re instate… and even if you’re OOS, it’s still probably cheaper than the others). So if cost matters, then I’d choose Berkeley.</p>
<p>U of Chicago is also known as “where fun goes to die”. Berkeley also has a warmer climate. </p>
<p>I’ve heard Stanford students being compared to ducks in a pond, struggling to stay afloat. In the second scenario, I’d still probably choose Berkeley.</p>
<p>Interesting… Currently, I have to pay $18k for Berkeley. I thought that privates would generally be more lenient towards their tuition+fees. Unfortunately, cost is an issue since my parents make no more than $25k.</p>
<p>Are you aware of the size difference between the undergraduate student body at Chicago and the one at Berkeley? In general, anonymity is rarely a good thing; Chicago’s more intimate size, as well as its reputation, are big plusses for me.</p>
<p>"First of all, are you a senior who has been admitted to these schools? If not, are you a Junior or Sophomore? And finally what are your stats?</p>
<p>Household income of 25K? Something wrong with this picture. Please explain."</p>
<p>I have been admitted to the top UCs( meaning UCSD, UCLA, and UCB) as well as University of Chicago. I’m still waiting for Stanford, Columbia, Yale, and Harvard. I do not care for Columbia and have little to no hope for Yale and Harvard. As for the household business,my parent’s gross income was at about 25k-29k. They sustained huge business losses last year( around 70k I think), which is probably a factor that colleges take into account. Also, I’m not sure if they give less aid to students who have siblings in colleges.</p>
<p>“Are you aware of the size difference between the undergraduate student body at Chicago and the one at Berkeley? In general, anonymity is rarely a good thing; Chicago’s more intimate size, as well as its reputation, are big plusses for me.”</p>
<p>I am very aware of the classroom sizes sir. Classroom sizes and possible better finaid from Chicago have me more interested in them at the moment than Berkeley. However, Berkeley is top-notch in almost everything they do, while Chicago is not top 10 in most fields.</p>
<p>Would just like to say that the Chicago “where fun goes to die” rumor is not true at all. It wasn’t made by people who observed the school but by students…like as a joke… That kinda shows UChicago nature.</p>
<p>And Chicago hands down has one of the top ten, if not the best economics program in the country. PoliSci, English, History, & Math, are all top notch as well. Berkeley does not have the same renown as Chicago.</p>
<p>I’ve heard this. However, I’ve also heard that if someone graduates from U of C, the job search is easier. Supposedly it is also easier to get into one of the better graduate schools.</p>