UC Berkeley vs U Michigan

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm a senior living in Chicago, IL and I got accepted to both UC Berkeley (College of Letters and Science) and U Michigan (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts). My major is undecided but Im thinking of doing biology or chemistry. Im also interested in premed. </p>

<p>I like UCB because it has a really good science program. Also, although both are prestigious schools, I feel like UCB is better known internationally. Plus, its far from IL so living in CA will be a different experience. Plus its next to major cities, warm weather, the beach... But ive never been to their campus so i dont know how the campus feels like and it costs a lot because im out of state ($51,000)</p>

<p>I like umich because its also a prestigious school and all of its departments are great and its closer to home so i can come back for breaks and stuff whereas UCB will cost a lot to come home. it has the biggest football stadium:) ive been to their campus and i liked it but it was kinda boring. maybe because we were going around without a tour guide. It costs a lot as well but less than UCB ($48,000)</p>

<p>i can't pick between the two. is ucb worth going or should i just go to a less expensive school? what are some other things about each school that i dont know?</p>

2

<p>There is no price difference between Cal and Michigan. Cal is indeed a little more prestigious than Michigan, but both are very strong on the reputational side of things. You should go for fit. Where do you think you would be happier.</p>

3

<p>Price is about the same… I’d say spend a few hundred and fly out to see UCB in person.</p>

4

<p>“ve been to their campus and i liked it but it was kinda boring. maybe because we were going around without a tour guide”</p>

<p>Boring? What did you expect, State St. in the loop or N. Michigan Ave.? ;-)</p>

5

<p>

Can you visit Berkeley before deciding? Take a flight to San Francisco or Oakland. Then take a BART train to the downtown Berkeley station. Walk one block east to campus…be sure to see Telegraph Ave.</p>

<p>Berkeley’s weather will be warmer and beaches will be okay for a Chicagoan…but don’t be expecting San Diego weather and beaches.</p>

6

<p>^^^^I guess the OP is not too familiar with the cold California current. You can go in the water…with a wet suit. The water is warmer in Lake Michigan in the summer than ANYWHERE in the bay area at any time of year.</p>

7

<p>I can state with a great deal of confidence that unless you barricade yourself in your dorm room, you cannot be bored at Michigan.</p>

8

<p>You do not have to major in biology or chemistry to do pre-med. (You may want to consider chemical engineering if you are interested in chemistry, due to much better job and career prospects. But it requires applying to change major to that, at least at Berkeley.)</p>