Extremely torn between UC Berkeley and Stanford

<p>I am aiming for a major in EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science). As of now, I have absolutely no idea which to choose. Each place has its own advantages for me. Cal is outstanding in this field, I have a better "feel" for the university, and I know friends that are going there. On the other hand, Stanford is definitely known for its name, and most say it will get me farther in life. Not to mention that its Engineering department is extremely good as well (actually, I don't know specifically about EECS, trying to ask around...). And my family is pressuring me to go to Stanford. Financially, I'd be paying the same for both after aid, so it's not a factor. Any good advice on which I should choose?</p>

<p>Both are outstanding schools. I doubt that in the field of engineering, going to stanford will get u farther than going to berkeley. both places are equally prestigious in that specific field. However, id go to stanford, since the costs of attending are equal. Besides, stanford and berkeley are close so u can meet up w/ ur friends during weekends or something.</p>

<p>I think you would regret not going to Stanford. It looks more like a country club then a college.</p>

<p>If you make less than 100k, doesn't Stanford cover a significant portion of your expenses? </p>

<p>Sub-60k = Free Ride as well.</p>

<p>Do either of those income brackets apply to you?</p>

<p>ROFLMAO! <em>waves</em> HI TONY! Tiffany P. here. I was going to post here and say that my friend is in the exact situation, but then I realized that you... are Tony Dear. (Very subtle name.)</p>

<p><_< Anyhoo, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Trees pwn bears. In fact, trees can fall on bears, and bears will die. End of story.</p>

<p>Not exactly all. Stanford covers about 3/5, which is why I'd be paying the same for both.</p>

<p>then stanford is more worth it if you're paying the same. However, stanford focuses more on graduates than undergrads.</p>

<p>like deutsch just said, stanford usually will focus more on their grad students, this isnt to say that they neglect their undergrads, but knowing people from both schools and i had the option, id probably choose cal, do well there, and then you can go to grad school at stanford (not as easy as typing it)</p>

<p>make the choice you feel best making</p>

<p>have you visited.....</p>

<p>
[quote]
<_< Anyhoo, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Trees pwn bears. In fact, trees can fall on bears, and bears will die. End of story.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Actually, bears EAT trees. Bears claw out the tree roots, and tree dies. End of story.</p>

<p>Since both schools will cost you about the same, and both are excellent in your field, consider the following:</p>

<p>-- lifestyle: Stanford is more suburban/Cal more urban
-- housing: It's always an issue in Berkeley
-- climate: there IS a difference
-- accessibility of classes: it CAN be hard at Cal
-- opportunities for financial help in study abroad, conferences: Stanford simply has more money & is willing to sprad the wealth.</p>

<p>I highly disagree with those who say Stanford will focus more on grad students. Stanford is known for its attentiveness to its students. Cal is notorious for its sink-or-swim approach to students/bureaucracy</p>

<p>I'm a Cal grad. I loved it there. But I do believe that in terms of attention/housing/possibliy course availability Stanford could and would be better. There's something called customer service at Stanford given that it's a pricy private school. You will not find the same level of support at the huge public that Cal is.</p>

<p>For the same money Stanford is a no-brainer: private school; less bureacracy; strong alumni network, particularly in technology and VCs (who love Stanford engineers); smaller class sizes; etc. etc. And, better yet, Stanford is known for grade inflation, not the C (C+?) curve that exists at Cal engineering.</p>

<p>Sure, Stanford is a major Uni, as is Cal. ALL major Unis focus on research, and use grad students to accomplish thier work.</p>

<p>STANFORD! did you bust your butt in high school just to go to cal? no way tony dear, you beast. (seriously, how many lowell students comb this site?)</p>

<p>but I suppose you want to go to grad school (or not) and stanford's prestige wouldn't matter in that regard...yet cal is crowded and dirty, at least from my visits. And the people there are unsightly. Very ungainly too, especially around other people. </p>

<p>I'm sure your friends will always be there for you no matter where you choose. </p>

<p>Seriously, Stanford.</p>

<p>Definitely Stanford. From my experience working in the Bay Area, VCs often fun these Stanford professor's technical ideas and Stanford students usually get to work on these startups. Lots of companies get bought out immediately within 6 months of them starting.</p>

<p>I would prefer Stanford. BUT if you have a built in support network of friend at Cal that might be something to consider. But I choose Stanford because of greater resources and smaller class sizes.</p>

<p>Stanford for all of the reasons stated above- no worrying where you will live after 1 year, no fighting to get the classes you need to graduate, great program in your area of interest, small class sizes, no grade deflation etc. For the most long benefits with fewer short term hassles, there is no comparison.
Go to Stanford.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Actually, bears EAT trees. Bears claw out the tree roots, and tree dies. End of story.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Actually, bears eat beets.</p>

<p>Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.</p>

<p>if it costs the same, go to stanford. if not, berkeley.</p>

<p>about getting into the classes you want at Cal</p>

<p>here's the priority for students who register for classes (first dibs) in Telebears</p>

<p>senior
junior
freshman
sophomore</p>

<p>The only time someone didn't actually get into the class they wanted is probably when they were in their second year at Cal. Most people I know, from family to friends, never had any problems getting into the classes they wanted. Go back and ask the people who cried about not getting into their classes, did they miss their telebear appointment, or was it a one time thing during their sophomore year?</p>

<p>hey i have a wild idea, go where you feel most comfortable. the fact is that you'll make a ton of money coming out of either program if you are successful. the schools are radically different and definitely appeal to two diffferent types of people. now the question is, which type are you?</p>

<p>^ True, Palo Alto is very boring. </p>

<p>Looking for housing and getting classes (although I don't think you'll have any problems) builds character and requires ingenuity and resourcefulness. If you want to live 4 years with everything served to you on a sterile silver platter, choose Stanford.</p>

<p>Oh, and bears climb trees...indicates resourcefulness ;)</p>