<p>i already know cal's graduate programs would trump cornells but how about undergrad wise?
which would be better for bio and economics? those are my main two interests.</p>
<p>I think they are both relatively the same. The difference is probably location, weather, and money for in-state.</p>
<p>i agree that there’s no big difference between the two. Cal, however, has a great chemistry program, but if you’re looking specifically at biology, i’d say both are good. Both have about the same prestige as well, so again it depends if you like living on the west coast in the bay area, or in Ithaca, New York.</p>
<p>well i am in-state and let’s just say i get into both so then cal would be the better choice</p>
<p>I remember an article a few years back talking about the undergrad experience at Cal. See [UC</a> Berkeley’s lack of services leaves many undergrads to sink or swim](<a href=“http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2001/05/06/MN176023.DTL]UC”>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2001/05/06/MN176023.DTL) I don’t know personally about Cornell, but friends who went there really enjoyed their time. </p>
<p>You need to understand what the undergrad experience is like at Cornell and at Cal before you can decide. How hard is it to get involved in research for bio? How accessible are profs? Where do students live? What do they do outside of school? What are the ties with alums like? What advising system do they provide?</p>
<p>Since I know about large UC’s, I can add a few more questions. Ask yourself if you’re the type of person that will thrive at Cal; are you the person who will take the initiative to meet profs, pursue research or internships, etc? Join clubs or take other steps to build a circle of friends? Do well in classes (esp. lower division) that may have 200-400 students in them? If so, Cal (or any of the UC campuses) can be a wonderful place.</p>
<p>Make sure you read mikemac’s article on how to succeed at UCLA, it’s applicable for UCB also.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/230867-some-tips-succeeding-ucla-2006-edition.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/230867-some-tips-succeeding-ucla-2006-edition.html</a></p>
<p>oh nice site. thanks</p>