Northwestern vs UC Berkeley for undergrad math?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm trying to see which school has a better undergrad math program in terms of rigor and name recognition.</p>

2

<p>Given how difficult it is to get into either university…apply to both, and if accepted to both, make a decision. If you goal is to narrow down the list of your colleges you plan to apply to…the schools are VERY different. (H is a Cal alum/we lived near campus 20+ years–DD at NU). Both have national and international name recognition if that is your main criterion.</p>

3

<p>I’m just seriously considering applying to Northwestern ED to increase my chances but if the undergrad math program at Berkeley is a lot better then I won’t apply ED to NU. I have a decent shot at both based on my stats but like always it can go either way and I’d like an edge.</p>

4

<p>both are very selective and are great for maths. Berkeley has a better reputation for math due to having a superior math grad program (well within the top 5 in the nation), but i don’t think that should matter the most. i’d say their location and atmosphere should be your deciding factors if you’re appying to and deciding on both. </p>

<p>Berkeley

  • large research university
  • bay area
  • wonderful, pleasant weather almost all year round
  • breathtaking campus perched on the hill over looking San Francisco and the Golden Gate
  • good sports program
  • very loyal and proud students</p>

<p>Northwestern

  • medium size research university
  • just in the outskirt of Chicago
  • winter snow
  • beautiful campus
  • good sports program
  • very loyal and proud students</p>

<p>So, I guess the only differences are in the size and weather. Size favors Northwestern but weather favors Berkeley. all the rest are equal including overall prestige for undergrad.</p>

5

<p>RML summed it up very well. I would also like to add that Berkeley would probably cost more to live in (California in general is pretty expensive).
Best of luck in whatever choice you make!</p>

6

<p>So for undergrad math you wouldn’t give either one a clear edge?</p>

7

<p>If ceteris paribus, I can say I have heard more things about the Berkeley math program.</p>