I have been accepted to Oxford College of Emory and Berkeley and I don’t know where to go. I am an environmental science major and they both cost around the same amount so cost isn’t an issue. Berkeley has an amazing Environmental science program, but I always wanted to go to a smaller private school. The college of natural resources at Berkeley is a smaller college in the school which is nice, but I know that my intro classes will still be huge. I also want to enjoy college and not feel like I’m constantly stressed which I’ve heard is the culture at Berkeley. What should I do? Another factor is I’m a SoCal girl and pretty liberal so I don’t know if I’ll vibe with the south
I also love the idea of having the LAC and private school experience at Emory but I’ve been told that it will be easier to find a job with a Berkeley degree
College experiences are important, and academics are a big part of that experience. But not the only thing.
Have you communicated with professors in your field of study at each school? Did you get a personal response? Have you visited both campuses and talked in person with the department heads? What do the professors tell you about how their students are engaged in environmental issues after graduation?
Which campus and teaching environment better suits your personality and learning style? Would you prefer the smaller class size at Emory? Would you make the effort to get to know professors at Berkeley? Or maybe you prefer to keep your head down and be anonymous, sitting in a lecture hall with 300 students?
And what about life outside the classroom? What kind of college experiences are you thinking would be fun? College is a time you have an opportunity to grow and mature, try new things, and meet people who are different from you.
Do you have teachers in high school, a youth pastor, or another trusted adult who can speak truth and give you advice? Ask them to help you process this big decision.
Distance from home, your track record with independence/homesickness, health issues that might require you to stick closer to home and family to lean on in rough times, or a strong urge to experience life on the opposite side of the country are all valid factors to consider.
Do not choose a college solely on the basis of jobs. Emory and Berkeley are both prestigious schools, and I assume both will have alumni networking in place, along with career centers to support your job search. It is one of many factors to consider.
Remember you will have opportunities to do summer internships, and those summer experiences can boost your chances at getting a job after graduation.
Good luck to you, sounds like you have two great schools to choose from.