**Cornell VS. UCBerkeley: premed**

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I got into both, but the problem is my parents won't get a penny of aid from either school...Berkeley costs about 40,000 per yr and Cornell is 46,000. And it's down between the two, although my heart is kind of leaning towards Cornell, but my dad gets angry when I tell him I want to go to Cornell. He doesn't understand why students would pay for money to go to a place like Cornell, he thinks that Ivy names are just "a buncha hype to suck up money.."</p>

<p>he wants me to be close to family and Berkeley is only 35 mins away from our extended family....BUT i am just frustrated that he won't even give Cornell a chance. We're visiting for Cornell Days, but my dad said it is only to "get Cornell out of my system"....I don't think I'd be UNHAPPY at Berkeley, just happier at Cornell....</p>

<p>also, how do the two compare in terms of premed programs?? And any ideas to convince my dad to at least give Cornell a shot? thanks!</p>

2

<p>I gave up IN-STATE tuition at Berkeley for Cornell (my parents weren't particularly happy about that either).</p>

<p>It's a no-brainer if you have to pay out-of-state tuition for Berkeley unless you absolutely fall in love with the school.</p>

3

<p>They're both outstanding, and I think are run in a very similar fashion--you need to be self motivated and driven. I've heard Berkeley's advising system is ok (they have lots of students). I know that Cornell's advising system is fantastic--especially the folks in the biology and premed advising centers.</p>

<p>I think it boils down to taste...if you are a city person, go with Berkeley--the Bay Area is amazing and there are so many things to do in Berkeley and San Francisco. If you like smaller communities and towns, then Cornell. The social life at CU revolves around the campus (unlike at Berkeley). In addition, New York City and Boston make interesting weekend trips (too far for a day trip)...also, weather is a factor. Cornell can be snowy, cold and dark. The Bay Area gets it's share of rain and chilly weather in the winter, but most of the year it's mild and Beautiful. I chose Cornell (I grew up in the Bay Area) because I wanted a different experience. I loved the school, but sometimes got bored with the social offering offered in and around Ithaca. The weather was a non-factor, you get used to it...</p>

<p>Cheers,
CUgrad</p>