<p>Here's my dilemma.
I've been accepted to both UIUC Engineering (CS major) and Berkeley EECS. Can't choose between the two.</p>
<p>I realize that when applying to UIUC I should probably have picked ECE (didn't realize that the two were separate when applying; I literally learned about UIUC the day before the application was due and didn't have time to do much research). Thinking about a possible transfer to ECE in the future; I hear a lot of the courses overlap anyway (which makes sense). I also hear Berkeley EECS is a lot harder than UIUC CS; not sure about ECE (though perhaps it's a similar situation).</p>
<p>I do like CS a lot more than EE. I'm throwing EE in there because I've worked with small-scale electronics, microcontrollers, that kinda stuff and I figured that combining the two makes the most sense.</p>
<p>Financial aid is similar - EFC of 2739 at both campuses, $4618/yr in loans at UIUC and $5k/yr at Berkeley. I have some scholarships already + also have a plan for debt repayment thanks to /r/personalfinance. In short, this is also not a major factor (unless there's something I'm missing).</p>
<p>I've visited both campuses; I can honestly say that I like the feel of UIUC - nice and quiet. Berkeley was too hectic when I visited, but it was on Cal Day so there were probably 4-5x the normal amount of people (plus all the student organizations, info booths, etc.) I don't want to let any misconceptions hinder my decision, so I'm trying to tread lightly with this bit.</p>
<p>I think the decision pretty much comes down to things like job placement, social life, surrounding environment around the school, etc.</p>
<p>The problem I have with Berkeley is that the neighborhood sucks IMO. This is perhaps not the most accurate portrayal, but I thought it was similar to downtown LA - not a fun place to be at night (I speak from experience). However, there is a lot more stuff to do thanks to its proximity to San Francisco (though traffic there sucks; took 1.5 hours to drive 6 miles in the afternoon on a Saturday).
The issue I have with UIUC is that even though I didn't feel bored while I was there, I feel like I might eventually get bored because Champaign-Urbana revolves around the campus and there is literally nothing to do outside of the campus town without taking a 1.5-2 hour drive (impractical except on weekends with public transit).</p>
<p>I know probably around 20 people going to Berkeley - maybe 15ish from my school alone. A little concerned about how this might play out at Berkeley. I only know 1 (possibly 2) going to UIUC, and don't know him that well (met through FRC this year; doing CS as well). Should I ditch the friends? I have a few romantic interests going to Berkeley but I would also like a fresh start.</p>
<p>Regarding job placement, since Berkeley is in the Bay Area it's closer to Silicon Valley, meaning more startups and tech companies go there to recruit. However, UIUC is very well known in engineering circles, and my thought is that there will be enough tech companies looking for college grads that it shouldn't matter significantly (since in the end, you'd only be accepting one job offer). Definitely would be fewer startups though due to UIUC's relative isolation (just search it up on Google Maps and look at the surrounding area - 2.5hr drive from O'Hare).</p>
<p>The ultimate goal of college is to get hired by a technology company (preferably Google). Would like to be making 100k+ eventually as well. Any thoughts on job placement, internships, etc.?</p>
<p>Social life? I've traditionally been introverted (this is changing) but would be fine with an active social atmosphere (meaning a party scene would be okay). Would the social scene at either school have an effect on course workload/time management?</p>
<p>I don't care too much about the brand name of either school, by the way, so please don't just say Berkeley because it's well-known (though it would be a bonus if I chose to go there). After a few years of work experience it doesn't matter either way.</p>
<p>Thought I'd throw in that I don't really like California, having lived in LA my entire life. Too much liberalism for my taste (I'm libertarian myself), and weed smoking isn't very sexy (some Berkeley students I know can attest to the fact that people do light up). Also concerns over UC class placement due to poor financial planning by our state legislature (not sure about UIUC, though I expect it's less severe).</p>
<p>Any helpful pointers/advice/information I should know about?</p>