Northwestern and Berkeley - thoughts only

<p>Alright, I've been desperately seeking advice for the past few days, and I've even checked the other Berkeley vs Northwestern thread. Like many threads, that one was about 80% junk and was littered with unrelated comments or comments that were targeted at belittling other posters (this is no personal attack on anyone who posted there, I'm just saying it definitely strayed from its topic for the majority of the time, whether that's the fault of the posters I leave up to you to decide).</p>

<p>I've made this thread with the intention that people will come and post their comprehensive and complete ideas ONCE rather than volley back and forth in an argument over who has more credibility, and then maybe follow up with posts concerning changes in thought or corrections. Sure, you can back up what you say with evidence or statistics, just don't go around trying to refute people who don't - because that's pointless. That being said, I'd appreciate any advice, preferably from admitted students in my same situation or from current students at either university.</p>

<p>I have been accepted undecided arts and sciences to both schools. I know I don't want to have anything to do with art, and I know with all probability I'm not going to be doing anything related to engineering. I plan to go to graduate school and want either pre-med, pre-law, business/econ, cell biology/biomedical stuff, though i'm really open at this point. Academics represents about 60% of my decision. My second priority is the environment of the campus (i.e. is it lively, is it exciting, does it inspire me and are the students constantly involved, rather than just wasting their time away). I am a city kid, I'm a moderate partier that's not prepared for the commitment of a frat but still wants to be involved in the social scene. I want to continue casual sports, though school spirit in sports ranks quite low on my priorities. Prestige is a factor but it is not something that should bear enough weight to swing my decision in one way or another.</p>

<p>That said, please focus on comparing the two schools in the following areas which I have conveniently summarized for you below (in order of importance to me):</p>

<p>1) Academics: How is the quality of teaching (will my profs care about me, will my classes be engaging, and will the love of learning be the basic guiding philosophy of the students around me). How well it will help me get into the graduate school of my choice (medical, law, business)</p>

<p>2) Environment: The state of the school on any given day in terms of mental and emotional atmosphere - are the students charged and involved, will they have a positive influence on me. Please leave out comparisons of weather, beaches, days of sunshine in a year, etc. I can deal with snow.</p>

<p>3) Party Scene and Social Life: Can i be involved at my own personal level - will i be required to overcommit and face exclusion if I don't?</p>

<p>4) Prestige: Focus on undergrad please, it's a well known fact that UCB whups NU at higher levels because they got all the research and nobel clout. If you think that despite this fact, UCB is still perceived as more prestigious (produces better people and accepts better people), then feel free to elaborate.</p>

<p>Thanks. Keep the flaming to a minimum please.</p>

<p>Quasi, I still maintain that the two schools are equal but different. You should go for the school you think will be the best fit for your needs. Do not pick based on what anybody here says to you. Do your own research and chose according to fit.</p>

<p>Northwestern is a sleepy school compared with Berkeley. Not much happening except typical frat parties and sports. Berkeley is at the other end of the range. There is always something going on either on or just off campus.</p>