Harvey Mudd vs. UC Berkeley vs. Johns Hopkins

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi Guys,</p>

<p>Although I was waitlisted at my reach schools, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to three great universities -- Harvey Mudd, UC Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins. I plan to study engineering, but I also want room to explore other interests (Chinese, English, Business). I am posting here because I am looking for advice from CCers, many of whom I have found to be extremely knowledgeable. I just got back from Mudd's Admitted Students Program, and I am about to go to Hopkins's and Cal's. I am posting before I leave for the last two schools because there won't be much time to decide after I get back. I'll post the pros and cons of each school below. I will update this later after I've visited Hopkins and Cal, but I just want some general thoughts.</p>

<p>Harvey Mudd (with Harvey S. Mudd scholarship:
Pros:
1. Huge focus on undergraduates (no graduate students at all).
2. Very friendly student body.
3. Good dorms.
4. Very good professors.
5. A lot of room to explore the sciences.
6. Part of the 5Cs
7. Many research opportunities and the Clinic program.
8. Very well known by graduate schools and employers in the US.
9. Very nice dorms.
10. Very strong in science and engineering.</p>

<p>Cons:
1. Expensive. $156,000 after four years (including the scholarship).
2. Very small campus. Just from two days at the Admitted Students Program, I felt like I knew a huge chunk of the class.
3. Not very well known in Asia, where there is a huge emphasis on where one went to college.
4. Small alumni-base.
5. The food is alright, but I don't like the meal plan. Flex expires every week.
6. Only a few hours away from home (I want to get away, but this might end up being nice).</p>

<p>UC Berkeley (with Regents Scholarship):
Pros:
1. I got the Regents Scholarship, which means they meet my full need in grants, I get priority registration, guaranteed housing, and a faculty adviser.
2. Very large and diverse campus.
3. Very distinguished faculty.
4. Great business school.
5. Very respected and well known in Asia.
6. Least expensive school ($76,000 after 4 years).
7. Very strong in engineering and sciences.</p>

<p>Cons:
1. I might get lost in the campus.</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins:
Pros:
1. Very beautiful campus (I visited last summer).
2. Away from home.
3. More affordable than Harvey Mudd ($129,000 after four years).</p>

<p>Cons:
1. Not as strong as Harvey Mudd/Cal in engineering and science.
2. I heard that students at Hopkins drink A LOT.</p>

<p>Well, that's my list so far. Obviously I'm lacking information on Cal/Hopkins, but hopefully I'll find out more when I visit. It would be great if you guys could provide unbiased opinions and help me make one of the biggest decisions (so far) of my life!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance,</p>

<p>Rush</p>

2

<p>Based on your interest in engineering, your desire to explore interests outside engineering, and the cost difference, I think Berkeley is the clear answer. Would going to JHU or HMC mean going significantly into debt, or at least would it be a significant financial burden?</p>

3

<p>I believe this sounds like a Cal or Mudd decision. All are great choices. I hope you enjoy Berkeley and the Bay Area. The city is gritty but lots to do. San Fran and area airports are accessible via BART one block from campus. Cal football will be playing in a renovated Memorial Stadium this fall that adds excitement to campus on Saturday fall afternoons. Berkeley will offer a larger, more traditional college experience. San Fran and Berkeley have much to offer. </p>

<p>HMC is great, but Claremont is kinda isolated.</p>

4

<p>Good thing you’re visiting. I’m sure things will become clearer.</p>

5

<p>Berkeley is the best choice by far.</p>

6

<p>^hardly. most cali people at hopkins and mudd had berkeley as an option with likely cheaper in-state tuition. smaller class sizes really do go a long way.</p>

7

<p>I will focus on one aspect of your comments above as other have covered many things:</p>

<p>“Not very well known in Asia, where there is a huge emphasis on where one went to college.”</p>

<p>I will assume that you are Asian (as we are) and you are absolutely correct that HMC has far too little exposure and name value overseas especially in Asia. Also, keep in mind that although HMC is an incredible school, it is a general engineering program. I would say that Berkeley is your best choice here. You will be among many other Asian students there, but if you plan for an international career, Berkeley is the best choice unless you absolutely crave the small classes and undergrad focus at HMC. We did not really like the campus at HMC (although the consortium was impressive) but we liked the vibe. I would not consider John Hopkins for your intended major if you plan to go international. It is an amazing school for many things including medicine. But not strong enough in your specific major.</p>