<p>I got the most money from Davis, and it's basically almost a full ride, which is SUPER enticing...but I'm still undecided about my major. I know a lot of people who go to Davis, and they mostly only have good things to say about the science programs. I also have issues with the location. It's less than an hour away from my home, and I feel like it's way too close.</p>
<p>Berkeley gives me the impression of being more well-rounded as far as academics go, but although they did give me a nice amount of aid, it's still twice the price of Davis. I really love the town of Berkeley though, and until recently, Berkeley has always been my "dream school". </p>
<p>I applied to Swarthmore just for the heck of it, totally not expecting to get in. Then I got an early write and a hefty aid package that makes it cheaper than Berkeley, but more expensive than Davis. I'm pretty much enamored with the whole small-liberal-arts-college vibe, but I'm also a little intimidated by Swarthmore's reputation of academic intensity. It's also in Pennsylvania, which is a pretty long way from Northern California.</p>
<p>I've visited Davis and Berkeley, and I know a lot more about these schools. I don't have any personal acquaintances at Swarthmore, but I will be going to the admitted student days in April.</p>
<p>Money is a big factor, as is academic atmosphere (large university vs small college). I still haven't decided whether I want to pursue hard science or the humanities.
Thoughts?</p>
<p>I would actually rank Swarthmore’s science department (excluding computer science and chemistry) on par with Berkeley in this case. Davis excels in biological science, especially agriculture, but Davis’s other departments are rather watered-down when compared to the other 2 schools. </p>
<p>If you are premed or aiming for a competitive grad school, I would avoid Berkeley just because of the competition. But overall, if money is an important factor, you are looking into biology, and if you want keep your gpa alive, Davis is the way to go.</p>
<p>Comparing a LAC to a major and large university is impossible. So while it is possible to argue for UC Berkeley over UC Davis, any argument between UC Berkeley over Swarthmore quickly becomes a discussion of LAC versus university. It totally depends on what you’re comfortable with and what you are looking for at college.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is a top tier liberal arts college. It’ll be strenuous and competitive, but the education will be amazing. Small and involved classes, especially compared to the big UC schools. Are you looking for sure into Pre-Med?</p>
<p>Swarthmore will be tough to keep a high GPA, but med schools know that. At Davis or Berkley, a low GPA will put you out immediately. They are more likely to be forgiving at Swat.</p>
<p>You will be a much more rounded and full education at Swat. And they do have a great science department, liberal arts doesn’t mean only humanities.</p>
<p>As much as I am in love with Berkeley, I am very much going to pass it up for Pre-Med. If I had the option of Swarthmore, I would hands-down attend Swarth. Congrats on such awesome choices. I’m from NorCal (hour away from Davis) too! :)</p>
<p>Berkeley would allow you to get out of your comfort zone as well. <em>naked walks down Telegraph Ave?</em> :)</p>
<p>I agree with fogcity. If you value the small LAC environment, and like it after you visit, choose Swat. </p>
<p>
If I got a dime for everytime this is mentioned on CC, I’d be rich. If you’re confident in your academic ability, happy and comfortable with the environment, you can be successful anywhere.</p>
<p>Students at Swarthmore aren’t so much grinds as passionate. They tend to do (maybe overdo) all kinds of things just because they’re fascinated by them, whether it’s dance, writing newspaper articles, starting charity projects, making music–whatever it is that you have a passion to do–or even an interest in–there are all kinds of facilities and people to make it possible. They also have very small, personal classes, and advisors who really look out for you and your individual potential. It is far across the country, but you wouldnt be alone–a huge percentage of the students there are Californians. People don’t HAVE to work hard as much as just feel as if they’re in this delicious smorgasbord of possibilities they can’t resist. You have several great choices, but going to Swarthmore would yield benefits you couldn’t even envision unless you went there.</p>
<p>Your visit will certainly help clarify, since Swarthmore is a very very different environment (small, intimate, serene) than the two UCs (big bustling campus). If you prefer one type of environment over the other, you can justify your choice economically either way. For a LAC, Swat is cheaper than Cal. For a large school, Davis is cheaper than Swat. You will certainly be able to pursue sciences and humanities at any of the three schools. </p>
<p>A friend with a daughter at Swat says again and again how supportive the school is, how they work to make sure that the students they accept will be able to complete the program. When I toured with my D (who disliked Swat and loves the idea of Cal), our tour guide said that people transfer out because the workload is more than they expect. I get the impression that if you’re willing to do the work, Swat won’t let you fall. You’ll know your own abilities and work ethic, which would tell you if this was for you or not. </p>
<p>We live in CA, and my family is made up of UC alums from pretty much every campus. That said, the budget crisis in CA and for UC should be one of your considerations as well. </p>
<p>Best of luck, you’ve got wonderful options no matter what.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the responses. I think I’ll reserve my judgment until after Ride the Tide. For now, I’ll just be happy that I’ve narrowed the pool of possibilities from 7 schools to 3. :]</p>
<p>You mentioned that you got some aid from Berkeley, but were you a Regents or Chancellor’s scholar? This is huge because you’ll get to register for classes early–you’ll get into impacted courses like Freshman seminars that are excellent for someone who is still choosing their major. I personally went to Cal and don’t know how anyone could choose Davis over Berkeley (especially considering the surrounding towns). However, I never considered a small liberal arts college so I’ve got no advice there.</p>