<p>Hi!</p>
<p>So I was admitted to both Berkeley (L&S) and Michigan (LSA Honors), and I cannot decide which is better. I would major in Cognitive Science with a minor in Political Science, and I plan on going to law school. At Michigan, I would be in the Residential College. I'm very studious, but I also like to have fun.</p>
<p>Please offer some opinions. Thanks!</p>
<p>See my more detailed opinion on the Berkeley board.
Bottom line, you cannot really go wrong. Choose for cost and environmental factors. Michigan honors may be a benefit. </p>
<p>From what I’ve seen of the rankings, while Berkeley is generally more highly ranked, in the departments which you mention (cogsci, poli-sci, law), I think/remember that they are a virtual wash. I’ve seen Michigan at #1 for cogsci, and between #1 and #4 for poli-sci. Law is alway highly ranked and generally very highly regarded for international law and a few other sub-categories; they also place well into Federal and Supreme Court clerkships. Michigan’s legal complex (the facility) is second to none in beauty and resources (library and electronic materials and) and has recently opened a new teaching building as well as a new commons area.</p>
<p>My guess is that the schools are so tightly clustered that you’d want to: 1) look at a more granular level at the specific departments where you expect to ultimately focus and focus on the faculty therein; 2) look at post-graduation employment opportunities…Michigan is highly ranked in law to begin with, but punches above its weight class in reputation with employers; if law is your exit stragtegy, Michigan isn’t hurt by location and has something like 800 firms visit for recruiting; 3) most importantly, look at cost; if you are in-state in CA, Berkeley is a no-brainer; if you face roughly the same cost then the first two points are more salient.</p>
<p>As other posters always note: the ultimate determinant is the elusive “fit”…visit both campuses before you decide.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention something which might be important to you: entrepreneurship. Michigan is on a huge kick to promote entrepreneurship. While it has been known, historically, for linking departments across disciplines and offers a number of joint degrees at the graduate level, it is now putting even more funding behind that theory. A recent publication ranked Michigan #1 in the country and others have ranked it in the top five. So if your bent is to become a business owner or to start a business, that bias and the associated research opportunity programs (UROP) at the repective schools should be contemplated.</p>
<p>Both are expensive for oos. Academically, both are excellent. The decision may just depend on the cost and whih campus you like more.</p>
<p>Is there a cost difference? Are you a resident of CA or MI? If cost of attendance is not a factor, I would go with fit. Both schools are amazing academically.</p>
<p>I am going to say go with the school that has the most interesting weather. 
</p>
<p>Seriously, both schools are great. You really cannot go wrong. </p>
<p>I honestly think that you would have a lot more fun in Michigan. A lot less competitive, and better social life as well.</p>
<p>^ because your supposed brother’s experience will be everyone’s experience…right…</p>
<p>Not to hijack the thread or anything but if cost was the same for Berkeley and Michigan, which school would be better? I live in CA.</p>
<p>^^^If costs are the same, go to the school you like better. </p>