<p>Of the schools I've been admitted I've narrowed it down to these two. I absolutely love Berkeley, and thought I was for sure going there until Inside CMC Day. </p>
<p>Cal Day blew me away, I fell in love with Berkeley's amazing spirit and energy and the college town. I love that Berkeley is traditional, with football and Greek life and I LOVE the diversity of interests, ideas, and talents. But I'm concerned about the $70 budget cuts the school will have to make. It's uncertain what program UCB will cut, but I fear that it will cut career and internship advising, tutoring, and study abroad opportunities. Also, I'd prefer to not graduate in 5 years. </p>
<p>CMC day was impressive. I didn't get the same "at home" feeling I got at Cal, but I still loved the campus. Also I like how easy it is to get classes there and how accessible internships and study abroad programs are. Plus, I think I'd fit in with the student body. </p>
<p>The question is, even though I got "the feeling" at Cal, would I be a fool to not take advantage of CMC's resources?</p>
<p>Since you visited both campuses, only you can really answer the important questions you raised. You didn’t say to what degree money plays in this decision. Remember, your concern about diversity of interests , ideas and talents is somewhat mitigated by the five colleges in the consortium. I am sure they explained to you the the benefits of the consortium, and the incredible resources that are available to you because of it. You are very fortunate to have this decision; not a bad problem to have. If you do select CMC, I don’t think you will regret it.</p>
<p>Hi imcountrystrong,</p>
<p>I was thinking about your post and I thought you did a good job highlighting your concerns with Berkeley. There are advantages and disadvantages in attending a very large school, and the same is true for a small college. You are right about the accessible internships, study abroad programs and the fabulous career advising at CMC. You didn’t mention the small class size and the opportunity to have close relationships with your professors. At a large school like Berkeley you will be more on your own and will not the have resources of a school like CMC to assist you with your education and other activities. I, too, would be concerned about the UC budget cuts, although I couldn’t tell you to what degree that would affect your educational experience at Berkeley. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Another CMC parent here. parent57 is very wise, so I don’t have much to add. </p>
<p>Honestly, I would be worried about the UC system right now too. Many more CA students are heading off to OOS state schools of private colleges for the very reasons you mentioned. I’m not sure I want my kids at our state schools now and CA is in a much worse mess.</p>
<p>That being said, Berkeley has a wonderful reputation and many love it there. It is so different from CMC which has many advantages of its own. Could you be happy in a much quieter town and a smaller environment? My D saw those things as a plus but in the end only you know what will work the best for your situation.</p>
<p>If you have more specific questions, I would be happy to help if I can. Either way, you have two great choices. Good luck!</p>