UC Berkeley vs. MSU Honors

Colleges and Universities A-Z Michigan State University
1

<p>With the decision deadline closing in, it seems like I keep getting further and further from a decision. I am torn between Berkeley and MSU. I know Berkeley has the rankings and the prestige and all that mumbo jumbo, but what I am really wondering is how much more impressive does a Berkeley degree look versus an MSU honors degree.</p>

<p>I am a California resident, but I have been lucky enough to receive some merit scholarships from MSU that make the costs about equal, even a little less for State. Distance is not an issue for me, as I have family in East Lansing and Grand Rapids. Bear in mind I do plan on attending some form of graduate school, likely law. Berkeley does appear to have all of the perks of a traditional college experience, but to me I can't help but feel that Michigan State is more of the real deal (social life, sports, etc.). And despite the resources of that the San Francisco area can offer, I am fairly certain that if MSU were as highly regarded as Berkeley, I would elect to become a Spartan.</p>

<p>But I do not want to sell Berkeley short: it is a great place and I have no doubt that I would be happy there too.</p>

<p>Does anyone know how much I should factor prestige into the equation? To me I just feel like an offer from an internationally recognized school like Berkeley might be too good to pass up...</p>

2

<p>definitely Berkeley. I know MSU sounds like a lot more fun for college and etc., but it’s not like you’re not gonna have any fun at all in Berkeley.</p>

3

<p>If you truly love MSU, then go there. </p>

<p>However, Berkley is an amazing school and you will receive a fine education there. </p>

<p>But also in my personal experience, I have encountered a lot more diversity (cultural, ideas, etc) at MSU than Berkley. </p>

<p>If you really want to go to law than undergrad will not matter too much. If you excel at both schools equally then Berkley will give you a slight edge. However, you can only excel somewhere you are truly in love with and if MSU is that school for you than I would elect there.</p>

4

<p>As part of MSU honors, you would get lots of research opportunities that wouldn’t necessarily be available at Berkeley. And MSU I would say is a great school- in my humble opinion, the large majority of students are relatively smart and hardworking, but still laid-back and can enjoy social lives filled with sporting events and parties. The name recognition of Berkeley is certainly better than that of MSU’s, and the students certainly do have fun I am sure, but if your heart is at MSU and you desire change from your current surroundings (of California), then I would go for it.</p>