<p>Hi guys. I'm deciding between SEAS and Berkeley right now. My major is computer science; looking to be a game programmer as of now. SEAS has a strong pull on me because of NYC, but I'm rather uneasy about giving up Berkeley, whose graduate computer science is ranked #1 along with MIT and Carnegie Mellon (Columbia is 20). I understand that of course there will be that trade-off, but would like any advice you guys can give me. </p>
<p>For one, I am not sure if SEAS is actually reputable in the eyes of engineering employers; the acceptance rate is so much higher than those of the most selective schools, though the average SEAS stats are higher than the College's.</p>
<p>Are you a California resident? If so, the difference in cost added to the difference in departments would lead me to vote for Berkeley. The other question is how sure you are that computer science will be what you end up in. Only if someone is positive about a major do I think it is worthwhile to look at the comparative strength of a department for undergrad. </p>
<p>I'd talk to students in computer science at both places, and also compare class size.</p>
<p>oops forgot to give that information. I do live in California. Berkeley gave me 0 aid so far though.</p>
<p>sac, the thing is I am not sure if I am going to graduate school, considering my intended profession (game programming). so I am assuming I'd better get a great engineering undergrad education. and plus Berkeley is good at many things anyway.</p>
<p>californiakid, I considered the EECS program a lot but ended up applying to CS because I don't like hardware.</p>
<p>so what's with all this comparing class sizes? the smaller the better?</p>
<p>When you say Berkeley gave you no aid, does that mean it would be cheaper for you to attend Columbia? And, are you figuring in travel and living expenses? Because Columbia would have to give you a lot of aid to make it cheaper than Berkeley for a California resident.</p>
<p>As to class size, yes, I assume the smaller the better -- at least once you get past the introductory classes. Best of all, since you know you want CS, talk to CS students both places.</p>
<p>Oh no, Columbia will certainly be much more expensive, though its financial aid hasn't come out for me yet. My parents are not that rich, but I just don't want money to be what stops me from going to Columbia.</p>
<p>Hm so you mean classroom size, not class of 2010 size.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me about the reputation of SEAS? They say they have the most engineering Nobel winners I believe. But the general take is that SEAS is solid, not top notch like Berkeley engineering. What's up with that?</p>
<p>this might be a weird question but..
is there like, some sort of discrimination against SEAS students within columbia? like people in CC not liking SEAS student?</p>
<p>brdc_2: I'm in the same situation right now. NYC or a more 'reknown' program..? It's tough.</p>
<p>Someone at Columbia on this board talked about that. He got quoted a couple times. He basically said no. But I want to ask the exact same thing, man. Our average stats are higher than the College's, but our acceptance rate is more than twice theirs. I'm not sure if it is really that hard to get into SEAS, whether I should be as proud as those who made the cut for the College. Anyone got an answer for that?</p>
<p>I'm also considering Carnegie Mellon, UCSD, and WUSTL. I will most likely go to grad school, so I'm looking for the school that will prepare me well for grad school but won't strain me too much..</p>