<p>I got into Northwestern and Berkeley and am now facing the incredibly daunting decision of which to attend for college next year. I'd appreciate any constructive input from you guys. For now, I'd like to leave financial issues out of it. Let's just say that I was so rich that the cost of attendance literally doesn't matter (of course I'm not, but just go with it). I was accepted to the engineering schools of both colleges, but I am also thinking about computer science and possibly the sciences.</p>
<p>I know that Northwestern is a private school and as a result is much smaller, has a 7 to 1 student faculty ratio (compared to Berkeley's 17 to 1 student faculty ratio). I've been told this not only results in an incredibly unique experience for the student, it also provides a sense of importance, uniqueness, and it heavily involves the student in the community. On top of that, my cousin is for sure going to Northwestern, and it'd be nice to go to the same school as her. Northwestern also has a co-op engineering program, which I've heard is a very good experience that I'm pretty excited for. </p>
<p>Berkeley, on the other hand, is apparently a much more prestigious university, and extremely highly ranked for computer science and engineering. Northwestern lags behind in the rankings. However, Berkeley is more competitive, so it may be difficult to get all the classes or programs I want. Due to Berkeley's large size, Berkeley also has a larger alumni network, and I imagine my time at Berkeley will allow me to develop more connections with more people. And we can't forget about California's nice weather. Compared to Evanston's freezing winters, Berkeley seems like the way to go, especially for a native Arizonian accustomed to triple digit degrees Fahrenheit. </p>
<p>There are pros and cons for both schools. Please tell me about factors I haven't considered! Where would you go?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Northwestern. It’s much more conducive for a good undergraduate college experience… Berkely more for grad students. MOre a sense of ug communtiy at NW and more cohesion. Also you’ll meet many more like you, not from the area, whereas with Berkeley being a state school, you get a lot more Californians and commuters, which makes it less of a community. NW is more a dream college experience for those looking for it. There are Berkeley types but from your post, you seem to be more into the type of school NW is. The winters, I admit are a disadvantage, but there is a lot to do indoors. A lot of amenities and sized so it’s not that difficult to take advantage of it. Berkeley due to sheer size is more “dog eat dog” and full of bureaucracy. Enjoy the bit more of nurturing a school can give you while you are still a young adult in transition.</p>
First, UC Berkeley is not a commuter school. Something like 95% of freshmen live on campus. That’s a higher percentage than almost every state school in the country. Second, California is an enormous state, both in land mass and population. It takes 6+ hours to drive from San Francisco to LA, and even longer during the major breaks. This means that for a huge percent of Berkeley students it’s just not possible to go home for the weekend unless they plan on buying a plane ticket. It also means that the state is not relatively culturally homogeneous as is the case with smaller states. SoCal and NorCal even have slightly different dialects (saying the in front of a freeway is a SoCal thing, while Hella is very much from Northern California). </p>
<p>Further, UC Berkeley is so selective that very very few high schools send more than 10 students there every year. That means that most students come in knowing perhaps three people at the school. What this functionally means is that freshmen can’t just fall back on their established high school friend group. They’re essentially forced to branch out if they hope to have any social life at all. </p>
<p>Was surprised by the comment about Berkeley having a lot of commuters. I think of a commuter school as one where a large number of students are older, working and drive to campus. CSU Hayward for example. Although most Berkeley students only live in dorms their Freshman year, they mostly live in University or privately owned apartments, houses and co-ops and “commute” by walking or bus. </p>
<p>Berkeley is close to Silicon Valley with a wealth of opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation. This proximity is probably the reason computer science majors at Berkeley have such high mid-career pay. </p>
<p>Also, you will meet a large mix of students. In my son’s suite of 15 students, 4 are international, 5 out of state, and 4 California. This is in Foothill, which attracts engineers (because of proximity to engineering buildings and studious reputation). Because of the reputation of the engineering program, it reflects higher OOS and international students than the university as a whole. </p>
<p>First, both are amazing schools and will provide you with an outstanding education and unlimited opportunities
So either one is a great choice and deciding between the two is a nice problem to have. Your post caught my eye because my son actually had the same decision to make two years ago. Have you had a chance to visit either of them? We visited both as a family before our son applied and then he visited both again on his own after he was accepted and that was a huge help. In the end it came down to the experience each would offer. NU has aprox 8,500 undergrad students compared to aprox 25,000 at Cal so it’s just much easier to feel like you are part of everything and not just a number. On top of that, Evanston has a really great college town feel that seems to revolve around the university and we did not get that same sense in Berkeley. Also, NU ranks #12 in the nation compared to Cal being #20. Northwestern is more expensive so you need to discuss with your family and consider if you are willing to work part time or take on student loan to help with additional cost if necessary though you would be paying out-of-state tuition at Cal anyway if you are from Arizona so the difference might not be that bad. We are from Southern California so it took a lot to justify the cost of NU over the in-state cost of UC Berkeley and i was worried that my son did not know what he was getting into in regards to weather but in the end it turned out to be the perfect choice for him and he loves Northwestern and has never even complained to us about the weather! When my husband and I went there with him to move him in as a freshman we could clearly see why he loves it so much! It is an amazing school! The campus is absolutely beautiful! The size is ideal, the traditions, programs, and spirit are incredible, the education, professors, President, and reputation is top notch! On top of all that, it’s location on Lake Michigan and just outside of the city of Chicago is spectacular! We have been back to visit at Family weekend the past two Falls and we just love everything about it! Our son will be half way through this June and he has never regretted his decision for even a minute! By the way, he swears the weather is tolerable if you wear the right gear! There is a North Face store in Evanston so you can stock up on everything you need when you get there! Good luck!!</p>
<p>If you didn’t know what you wanted to major in I would say go to Northwestern. But because you do, Berkeley is aa more obvious choice. But since finances are such a huge factor in the decision I don’t see any point in discussing it further.</p>
<p>Are you just asking to ask, OP? I just looked up past posts of yours and aren’t you committed to going ot Harvey Mudd as an ED acceptee? Aren’t finances an issue for you?</p>
<p>Given the choice, I’d say NWU hands down and I know both schools personally very well. Brother works there, lives in the area, and he wouldn’t pick B for his own kids for UG, he’ll tell anyone. Have a close friends whose DD is in a PHD program there, actually dealing with adolescent and young adult psychology, and she told her sister not to even bother applying there. Now, there are certain types of kids who would do better at B, are more suited to B and for them B is a better choice, but for most kids, and if your post is genuous, then you seem to be better suited for NW. But if you are tight on money, and especially if borrowing is involved, you aren’t going to do better academically than Berkeley. </p>
Were you accepted into Berkeley’s EECS program?</p>
<p>If you want to do CS, Berkeley is the better program. Vicinity to Silicon Valley for recruiting is a definite plus.
Yes, the program is academically intense, however, I’ve never heard EECS students complaining about getting required classes. Cal Engineering expects students to graduate in 4 years and has the resouces to make it happen.</p>
<p>^ Well that’s good. Engineering - Undeclared, correct? That will give you some time to explore what engineering discipline you would like to pursue.</p>