Help! Penn vs. Northwestern vs. Cal?

<p>I know it's really late in the game but I just cannot decide between these three schools... they all have pros and cons but they actually all seem pretty similar to me and I love them all. Cal would be a bit cheaper (I am OOS but I got a scholarship and it's a bit cheaper to start), but other than that I don't know what to do. I don't know what I want to major in so I can't see which school has stronger programs. I've visited all three and love all the campuses/surrounding cities (although I know the least about Philly). What should I do?</p>

<p>I think someone posted a topic with the same concerns. With schools of this caliber, it all comes down to fit. If I were you, I would choose Penn (I will choose Penn if I get off the waiting list, but meanwhile have enrolled for Northwestern). Berkeley can provide a great experience, but it is one of the most competitive schools in the country because it is public, and one must work exceedingly hard in order to gain recognition amongst a mass of talented students. Private schools, in my opinion, do a better job of preventing students from getting lost in the mix. However, if you are extremely dedicated, it may be an environment in which you thrive. Penn and NU, on the other hand, provide educations that are just as good, if not better, while not placing you in a cut-throat environment. Between Penn and NU, I would give the edge to Penn because of overall prestige. If you were more sure about your major, like, say, engineering, I would definitely recommend NU because its program is better. But overall, Penn's prestige simply has the edge over Northwestern. The environment is also a little more exciting, more immersed in a bustling city. Sure you can go to Chicago from NU, but it's not the same. If the money is really important to you and you don't mind its competitive nature, go to Berkeley. Otherwise, I would personally go to Penn, but the academic difference between NU and P is small enough such that fit is what really matters. It's a tough choice.</p>

<p>Personally, I would choose Penn.
You can cross Cal off the list; it really is too large and lacks diversity in my opinion.
I think it also depends on your major though. If you're doing business, you can't go wrong with Penn. Sciences and stuff are pretty good at Penn also. I'm guessing you're not going to be a music major, so that won't be a factor. If it was, Northwestern would be better. I think that Penn is just an all-around great university. No real flaws, except maybe the areas surrounding the university are a safety issue... sort of. I had friends almost get mugged before, but that's about it. Haha. But still... Choose Penn.</p>

<p>i dont understand why everyone seems to be bashing cal.</p>

<p>If u dont want a huge school that is a reason not to go.
If u are not self mptovated or driven, than thats anotehr good reason,
but
u will be paying less</p>

<p>and
Although Penn has the best business school (cal is barely worse),
I would say cal has better programs in almost anything and everything else.</p>

<p>Science and engineering is best at Cal
and i would say that social sciences are best there too.</p>

<p>Journalism goes to NU.</p>

<p>Basically
If u dont have a problem with large classes, and are self driven. I would choose Cal unless you are majoring journalism or business.</p>

<p>as for prestige
i would say U penn wins in the US, and Northwestern and Cal are tied
but
on a global scale, it could be easily debated that Cal is second most prestigious next to harvard (maybe cambridge and Oxford are more well know)</p>

<p>Umm
the education is really what you make of it.</p>