<p>I live in California and know almost nothing about eastern schools. I applied to Middlebury on a whim, but now that I've looked into it, I like it a lot. However, very few people I know have heard of Middlebury and my friends are all going to Berkeley. Students at Berkeley have great social lives and the school is very liberal and politically active. However, I like the smaller class sizes at Middlebury. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>maryjane89 is agonizing on the Williams board about her choice between UCLA and Williams. I would think many of the comments would apply to your situation.</p>
<p>Go to Middlebury. Seriously, I go to a very good, large, public university (UNC-CH) and wish I had gone to a small private college so much that I applied as a transfer student to several private schools. UC Berkeley is a cool place, to be sure, but it can't touch the small private school lifestyle that you'll have at Middlebury. And besides, does Berkeley have its own private ski slope? I don't think so.</p>
<p>you don't choose school based on the existence of the ski slope. Besides, if you are Californian, Berkeley is financially viable for you and your parents..</p>
<p>Pretty much polar opposites, besides the political affiliation. What do you plan on majoring in?</p>
<p>Business/Econ --> Berkeley
Languages/English--> Middlebury</p>
<p>You won't be dissapointed at either school, however, that's for sure.</p>
<p>you won't give a **** about reputation when youre having a blast at middlebury</p>