<p>I've finally heard back from all of my colleges and although I am hapy to have been admitted to 2 of my top 4 schools, I am left with a very difficult decision (So what else is new). I have to decide between Washington University in St. Louis and Berkeley. In my mind I held them about equal and I hoped I would avoid this process by making it in to on of my top 2...but such is life. I'm tired of hearing about this "fit". I know that this is important but I have visited both schools and enjoyed each of them. The USnews statistics that "_<em>% of _</em>" may as well be in greek. I'm just looking for plain english characteristics, expirience, anything that will help make this a bit easier. Just to give a little personal background, here's what I have compiled thus far.</p>
<p>Washington U
-Higher Ranking...whatever that means...
-Suburban setting...familiar
-Very Good possiblility to play soccer...talking to coach
-Far from home (CA)
-Lenient party policy :)
-Expensive $$</p>
<p>Cal
-Family is Alumni (Mom, Dad, Uncles, Aunts...on and on)
-In CA=instate tuition and family
-City setting...somthing new
-Intersting area (good thing :))
-Slim chance of playing soccer</p>
<p>Any help is appreciated...we all know that this can be the most difficult part.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>OOPS...forgot to mention. I plan to major in Education/Mathematics.</p>
<p>And I just received an acceptance to UVA. I applied there on recommendation from my cousin so I know next to nothing about it. Anything is appreciated.</p>
<p>Berkeley has a new math major with emphasis in teaching...</p>
<p>I don't want to step on any toes, but Berkeley is just a better location in so many ways than the other places...</p>
<p>Thanks Kenf...I have to admit when I visited WashU I spent the entire week at a soccer camp on campus. My parents didn't seem satisfied with the social scene</p>
<p>Let's be really frank here. The San Francisco Bay Area is the best place on earth. Period. You're not going to be happy in St. Louis, Missouri, even if you get to play soccer. Follow your destiny!</p>
<p>lol...starting to sound a bit like my mother so i will tell you the same thing I tell her...At either school I will be a BEAR. :)</p>
<p>Keep the opinions coming.</p>
<p>any info on UVA? All I've heard is that it is in a nice area...</p>
<p>Berkeley is the choice here. It is a big university experience you won't get at Wash-STL.</p>
<p>UVA is a prep school atmosphere and you'll be paying OOS. </p>
<p>Why pay OOS money when you have a much better, cheaper school with Berkeley?</p>
<p>WashU will give you more care and feeding, but it'll cost you. IMO, it's not worth the premium.</p>
<p>I'd choose Berkeley.</p>
<p>thanks guys.</p>
<p>The price (and therefore possiblilty of my parents helping me to buy a car) is definately something to think about.</p>
<p>No-brainer: Berkeley. Now get some sleep.</p>
<p>^ If you choose Cal, delay the car purchase for 4 years...it will be a hassle actually and you won't need it. Public transportation in the Bay Area is great compared to Socal.</p>
<p>Go to Cal. As it is, Cal is at least as good as WUSTL. Cal's Math department is one of the top 5 in the country and so is its Education program. Now that Cal is merging the two into a special program, you can bet you will get the best possible education. Plus the Bay area is nicer than St Louis. And all that at half the price. This is really not that difficult a choice.</p>