Hello
I am an international student and as you all know going to college is a heavy investment. 3 weeks ago I got into University of Washington CS program (directly admitted). I thought I was done and I already cut the hope of getting into UC Berkeley so I was really ok with it. Yesterday, I got into CS in L&S.(basically undeclared I guess) I am having a hard time to choose between them.
Berkeley is prestigious at CS. For me, even I am in L&S there is no difference between EECS except one thing. Maintaining that 3.3 GPA. I am not interested in electrical engineering. There might some differences I don’t know but I am happy with L&S.
Now, being directly admitted to University of Washington’s CS program which is prestigious as well, I have some concerns about Berkeley. When I started to research about berkeley I always saw negative blogs, youtube videos etc… I felt well it should not be in that way, right? So I had a chat with my friends in Berkeley and they told me that they love their time there which is good but I don’t understand why there is so negative things that pop on every site I click. I don’t say they are true and I know the environment is competitive but c’mon we are all humans, we interact with each other and it should not be all negative. So I want you to share your honest opinion about berkeley and CS, both.
Btw, I find the commitment to maintain 3.3 GPA in my motivation but I am not sure what I am about to face. On the other hand, UWash is solid as well and I don’t have to worry about this thing. But berkeley is really near to silicon valley and its prestigious is insane(better than UWash which has solid tech companies around as well like Amazon and Microsoft-if I am not wrong-)
I just want to be happy with the decision I will make.
Finance is not problem since they are both around 55-64k. But I heard dorms are not good compared to price.
Thank you for your contributions 
Bet on yourself – choose Cal. The international rep will serve you well.
I have a friend who has already completed CS 61A and is now enrolled in CS 61B. He is an intended applied math major, but his account of these specific courses is that it’s really hard to maintain a good GPA (>3.3). That’s why I would lean towards UWash. I’m doing the same thing too. Got into L&S but am now considering other universities like Waterloo (amazing co-op program) and UIUC. It’s unnerving not knowing whether you can declare the major you want to. In L&S you declare your major in the 4th semester (atleast that’s what my friend told me). So bottomline, in my opinion it’s not worth the risk.
@ergunackz - lmk what you think too. I have the same decision to make and honestly you can never completely know whether you’re making the right decision.
PS - I’m an international student too.