@Cooper02
Thanks 
fit will be prioritized I think
One more question, should taking out federal loans impact my decision heavily?
No loans at all, is the best. If you must take out loans, and the standard federal loans are sufficient, then repaying that amount is generally considered to be do-able for most students.
@happymomof1
I would only have to take out loans at two of the schools and those loans would be the federal amounts. I meant that I wasn’t sure how heavily having to take the federal loans should impact my decision. I’m glad that it is considered doable but debt worries me and $25k for four years seems like a really big amount.
It’s a big amount, but it’s doable. 27K over 4 years, total, is the amount a college graduate can pay back over ten years. Unless you’re really debt adverse, that shouldn’t prevent you from making your choice. However, going above that limit is a really bad idea since you move into the “hard to pay back” zone.
@MYOS1634
Ok thank you, that makes sense. Luckily none of my schools require I take out more than the federal loans.
UCB - why aim low - go big and best
@wayneandgarth
Even if I don’t think I’ll be happy there?
If costs are the same, you can think about fit. It really, truly, is OK to choose the place where you believe that you will thrive.
No, if you really don’t think you’ll be happy there, then I agree with you. But make sure it’s not because your a little nervous in that academic environment. You wouldn’t be accepted if they didn’t believe you can cut it.
@wayneandgarth
I am scared of the competition to some extent, but it’s not that I don’t think I can compete but more that I don’t want to. I think I would hate the cutthroat environment. I’ve heard it’s much more competitive and stressful than the other UCs.
Don’t think of prestige. Think of fit.
@MYOS1634
Thank you I will think of fit. You have been so helpful & I really appreciate it.