Need Help on Choosing Between U of M, UCSD, and UC Berkeley

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey there folks. I'm a transfer student who recently got accepted into the University of Michigan, UCSD, and UC Berkeley, and am still trying to decide on which school would be the most beneficial to me for the purposes of pursuing Neuroscience with a minor in econ, stats, or marketing- (I'm interested in developing, applying, and marketing neuroscience-related technologies and pharmaceuticals but probably wouldn't be well suited to going full-med).</p>

<p>As a San Diegan myself, UCSD is the best choice with regards to distance, for obvious reasons. I've also been told that UCSD has an excellent Neurosci undergrad program. However, the campus feels underwhelming to me, and the "college experience" seems a bit lacking--if anything, it simply feels like a more difficult upgrade from my current community college, which might deter/bore me somewhat.</p>

<p>UC Berkeley also has an strong Neurosci program, a good Cog Sci program, is one of the world's most renowned schools overall (outside of the ivies) and offers more of the "college experience," in addition to placing me a bit closer to some family and friends. However, it is by far the most expensive of the three schools when living costs are taken into account, and may not have quite as much prestige specifically within the neuro fields as UCSD does (correct me if I'm wrong here, please!)</p>

<p>Last but definitely not least, University of Michigan is the harder option in terms of logistics and ranks just barely below the other two in Neuroscience (though not by much, and their cognitive/behavioral neuroscience department is a bit higher than Cal's). However, the experience it offers is fantastic (amazing campus, great town and school activities), their alumni network is prodigious, and the prestige of the school's name is right up there with Berkeley's. It's also the least expensive of the three schools to live near, and also puts me close to some old friends.</p>

<p>My question, if you've survived my wall of text, is this: which of the three schools is the most likely to benefit a career in my chosen field over the long term, based on academic program quality, access to future grad schools, overall prestige and adaptability/flexibility of courses/curriculum? (I'll throw in the caveat that if for whatever reason Neuroscience didn't pan out for me, polisci and environmental law also hold interest, so if any of the three schools are particularly good at those, please mention that as well).</p>

2

<p>Nobody has any insight on these three schools?</p>

3

<p>Is cost a concern? I assume you are a CA resident, which means the UCs will cost $25k per year less than Michigan, unless Michigan has given you some sort of scholarship or generous FA. If cost is not a concern, then go with your git, but if cost is a concern, I would go for one of the UCs. </p>

<p>Academically, all three are excellent, so I would not worry about minute differences in Neuroscience rankings. </p>

4

<p>Cost of tuition is not a concern–I am a veteran and as such U of M has offered me an in-state tuition package despite being from CA. Cost of living is a concern, however.</p>

5

<p>And you said that living in Michigan would actually cost you less? If that is the case, and you prefer Michigan overall, then I think going to Michigan makes sense. </p>

6

<p>Glad to hear that Michigan honors our nation’s veterans by giving them instate tuition. </p>

7

<p>I think all three offer the same academic level in the field of neuroscience. I was impressed with UCSD’s neuroscience lab and they have a big building just for that. But all told, at the end, it becomes a beauty contest, your personal preference shall be the ultimate decision maker, you cannot go wrong in any of these.</p>

8

<p>For many years, Cal and Michigan were always considered the top two publics. For grad/professional school, can’t go wrong with any of the three – all are world class research Unis.</p>

<p>Since you are from SoCal, I’d get away if you can, either Cal or Ann Arbor, one of the great college towns. Visit both if you can, and go with your gut feel of what you’d like to call home for ~2 years. (Personally, at that cost, I’d pick Mich.)</p>

<p>Thank you for serving.</p>

9

<p>I would go with UMichigan. Their programs are top notch and the name recognition alone will serve you well (provided you do well of course.) </p>

10

<p>Michigan, UCSD, then Berkley. And Berkeley does have top programs, but so do all of the schools on your list. </p>