I’ve been accepted into a few different schools, and I’m struggling to decide which I would like to attend. I’m interested in business and computer science, and will probably do a second major, regardless of where I go. I’ve been accepted Carnegie Mellon Business, Cornell CALS for information science (would most likely obtain a concentration in interactive technologies), UC Berkeley L&S (would major in CS and apply to Haas as a rising junior), and I’ve been accepted to Michigan LSA (waiting on Ross), and waiting on Stern at NYU. I also got waitlisted at UCLA for engineering. I’ve been accepted to other schools, but those are basically my top choices.
Among those choices, though, I’m struggling to decide where I should attend. I’m most excited about the academics at CMU and Berkeley, but I’m worried about the lack of a social scene at CMU. For Berkeley, the distance would be tough – it makes it harder to visit friends and my long-distance girlfriend , and the time difference makes staying in touch even harder. I have a sister and some friends at Cornell, so it feels like a pretty safe option socially, but I’m not as excited about the academics. If anybody has any insight about any of this, it would be greatly appreciated. (Also cost isn’t a huge factor – I wanna minimize it if it’s the only difference between two otherwise equal schools, but I’m not super focused on it.)
Ok first question , I assume the cash is roughly the same if are your parents ok the with cash difference, do you want a city or a traditional campus ? I assume you have seen most of your choices , any one feel like home, you have great choices so you will do great at any of them, do not worry about your friends or girlfriend , you will be up at all hours anyway.
I am biased. I live in the San Francisco bay area and am in the tech industry.
Given your interest in business and computer science, I would recommend Berkley. The location brings you essentially to the silicon valley where much of tech innovation and business evolution are rooted.
Cost would be distance from your friends and the time zone difference as you called out.
Anyway you go, you have a strong list of choices. Good luck!
I was accepted to Berkeley, and I have a friend who was originally planning to go to Berkeley but was accepted off the CMU waitlist. One thing to consider might be the type of academic environment you would like. Cal is a huge public school with tens of thousands of students, while CMU is a smaller private institution (but not as small as a liberal arts college). When making my college decision, I decided I preferred a smaller private institution over UC Berkeley because there were so many students at Cal, which I thought would make it difficult for me to fit in socially or find opportunities since I would be competing with a lot of people. I thought it would also be hard to get into the classes or clubs I want with so many people around me who may be interested in the same things. However, you may personally like going to a large, exciting public school with lots of events and students around you! Just something to consider!
Honestly, you should make your choice regardless of your friends or girlfriend. College is a time to branch out, and you have your own life to lead.
I think UC Berkeley the best option if you’re into computer science and business. The level of academics combined with the professional opportunities in Silicon Valley are both extraordinary. Also, the weather is great.
On the other hand, Cal’s main disadvantages are large classes and scarce housing. That, and you basically can’t go wrong with your other options.
All that said, I am a high school senior who is likely going to Cal for ChemE, especially because of the business opportunities there. Also, my brother went to Cal for EECS and is now a software engineer, so I have some insight which could prove useful for your decision. I welcome you to PM me if you would life more info on Cal!