<p>CS at Cornell is very well respected. I know a friend (senior) who did a co-op with Goldman Sachs last year, got a paid internship over the summer, and now has a job with them after senior year (working in software development for the NYC firm). </p>
<p>As for Cornell vs Cal, I too got into both of them (I’m also from California). If you do get into both, I highly suggest you visit both, they are very different schools.</p>
<p>Personally, Cornell offered me far more flexibility than Cal, where students have to spend the first year/year-and-a-half fulfilling GE’s. Also, the whether is nice, but realistically I’m going to be in CA for a month out of every winter anyways, and I actually think it’s nice to actually have seasons. If you’re from a CA: trust me, you’ve never had seasons before. </p>
<p>All in all, I in no way regret my decision to come to Cornell, but to each his own.</p>
<p>S, now a senior in Cornell engineering, was also accepted to Berkeley. As described in this website:
[Freshman</a> Admission FAQ — UC Berkeley College of Engineering](<a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/admissions/freshman-faq.html]Freshman”>Prospective freshman FAQs - Berkeley Engineering) each student is accepted into a specific major, and it can be difficult for a Berkeley engineer to change majors later, especially if that major is impacted. At Cornell on the other hand, engineers do not select their major until sophomore year. Since most high school seniors have little knowledge about what the study of engineering really involves, the additional year to decide can be very helpful.</p>
<p>However, if finances are a concern, then Berkeley may be a better option for you. Just make sure to select your major carefully when you apply. Or you could apply as undecided, but that will be more competitive.</p>
<p>We also are familiar with UCLA, and unlike Berkeley, UCLA (at least 4 years ago) had no problem with students changing majors. I thought UCLA provided a better environment in general for undergraduate engineers, but for S, it was too close to home.</p>