Hi everyone!
I have just been accepted to Columbia’s Engineering School and named an Egleston Scholar. I have also been accepted to UC Berkeley as a Regents Scholar into the College of Letters and Science. I plan on studying computer science and possibly majoring in economics. I definitely plan on pursuing a PhD or MS at minimum in my educational goals. Here’s what I’m thinking about the two schools:
Berkeley: Despite having priority to classes and housing, I would still be amongst hundreds and thousands of students in a class. Also, research opportunities are more difficult to find because I would need to compete against graduate students. Classes are also cutthroat, considering I would also need to meet the 3.3 GPA requirement to declare CS. However, Berkeley is one of the most reputable schools in computer science.
Columbia: Hands down, I would have chosen Berkeley if it weren’t for the Egleston Scholar’s Program, which provides guaranteed research opportunities and enhanced mentorship and advising. Columbia also has a renown alumni network, and provides a more well-rounded education that I think would allow me to stand out more than just from a technical standpoint. Plus, I think the research opportunities would prepare me well for a MS/PhD. However, it’s CS rankings have fallen significantly in the past 4 years, from 5 to ~12-16 (depends on site).
Tuition is not a factor for me.
What do you guys think? Would really love to hear your input on this. Thanks!
D has a similar choice with Regents and a different Columbia program. However, it is with the College for a pure science major. Are you going to be in NY this week at the visit day?
Congratulations on acceptances to the top colleges. Iam biased here for CS major:
- Rankings: UCB#3 Columbia#13
- Jobs: Companies are looking for qualified candidates (than brand name). However, Berkeley gives you the best chance to Silicon Valley jobs. Otherwise, you may have to fly to SV for job interviews (not all companies do Columbia campus interviews).
- Research: Suspect Berkeley may give you the better chance.
- Weather: Berkeley unbeatable.
- Mental Health: Columbia wins here? UCB competitive?
^ lol to some of those.
I am not in CS, but if you want to do research, I think Columbia and the E. S. program are great for ensuring that. All of my friends who wanted to do research got it, and some in very famous labs as well. I can’t attest to the quality of classes, but they all also got internships at the big 3 or other good companies and have jobs lined up. I also have friends who started their own business.
That being said, Berkley and NY are very different cities, and the campuses and students are very different. Econ wise, I think Columbia, being in NY, is better connected to the financial services industry, with many alumni working there. The education is better rounded at Columbia and overall, the classes in science, though not LAC small, have never been that big either.
I don’t have any complete answer, as it will come down to your preference, but I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I suggest you visit both, talk to lots of people, and make your decision then.