<p>I am stuck up between going to Northwestern and UC Berkeley for Industrial Engineering. I would like to have general thoughts on which should be a better pick. What is the most important point to me besides lifestyle is how prestigious your degree is after you graduate (for being hired and/or graduate studies/mba's). Money is not a concern as I am an international student and they both cost around the same thing.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I think UC Berkeley is more prestigious , but I don’t think going there would substantially improve your chances at grad school since graduate programs will undoubtedly be familiar with Northwestern’s engineering too. I’d look more closely at the industrial engineering curriculum at each school to determine which one better meets your needs.</p>
<p>Personally, I would choose Northwestern because I think there would be a better quality of life. In terms of just academics, you’d likely be in smaller courses and have more opportunities for personal contact with professors. Northwestern has a big Greek life which creates a vibrant social life if you like that. It seems like there’s a lot of opportunities for undergrad research and internships through Northwestern’s connections (they have a great co-op program too). </p>
<p>I know a lot less about Berkeley, mainly because it was too big of a school for me to consider. But I do know that many criticize it for having a graduate student emphasis (a claim I’ve heard some apply to Northwestern too, but not nearly as much). It’s weather will definitely be more pleasant than Northwestern’s unless you love frostbite. It’s also known for a liberal student body, which appeals to a lot of kids. It’s definitely a good school too; I just don’t like it as much personally.</p>