Hello,
I’m an Ohio HS senior who has been admitted to both UM’s and UCB’s engineering colleges. At the moment, it would be roughly the same price for me to go to either university, and neither are giving me any merit or need scholarship. My family can (fortunately) afford either.
Where is life better? Ann Arbor or Berkeley?
Where is better for a ME in terms of opportunities, during and after undergrad?
What other questions should I be asking?
I searched through the website and didn’t find any posts from students in my position specifically (OOS for both, already admitted to both, engineering). I would appreciate any help you can offer. I also posted this in the UCB page.
Thank you,
khushi97
PS I’m new to CC, hope I haven’t broken any rules!
Cal and Michigan are virtually the same academically, particularly in Engineering. For Mechanical Engineering, they are both excellent.
The main difference is cultural. Which campus environment will you enjoy more? Ann Arbor is closer to home, so that may play a role in your decision too.
Area around UCB is not as safe as Ann Arbor. That may be one consideration. Also, you may get home faster by driving from Ann Arbor than by plane from SF.
I would also consider where you want to work later after you graduate. On-campus recruiting is still mostly regional. Berkeley will be better connected with Bay Area companies. Likewise, Michigan will be better connected with Midwest companies. ME opportunities in the Bay Area will center around energy efficiency and research. The midwest has a stronger manufacturing base (ie automobile industry). Michigan also has an aeronautical engineering program while Cal doesn’t…so if aerospace is an interest, Michigan may be a better option.
ME is a good undergrad degree - a “Jack of All Trades” and you can go into virtually any industry with an ME degree.
Michigan has a stronger school spirit and better sports teams (football and basketball).
Berkeley has a crunchier granola vibe and nicer weather.
Do you have other (cheaper) options? I ask this because even though your family may be able to easily afford either option, if your career goal is to work as an engineer, you may be able to get to the same place for less money. Then you can use that money for other things…such as a down payment on a home.
My other option is OSU. I can go there for nearly free, after national merit status, scholarship, and other discounts through family. However, I don’t think it would be good for me to be so close to home, and my parents really really don’t want me to go to OSU either. I’m not sure why but I think it’s that they know I can “do better” than OSU. I also don’t like OSU campus and culture very much.
“I also don’t like OSU campus and culture very much.”
Dude, and you are still wondering where you belong? coughWolverinecough!
tOSU for nearly free would be very hard for me to turn down. Graduate with strong grades from tOSU in Mechanical Engineering and you’ll have the exact same opportunities as Michigan or Berkeley, with over $100k+ saved.
However, you and your parents don’t like it, so come to California and spread your wings.
In your case, I recommend Michigan. It’s far enough away from home but not too far, has a fantastic school spirit, and will not be as much a shock to your system as Berkeley.
UCB, for the wealthy, a university with a powerful brand is not only recommended, it is expected. If the OP’s parents can easily afford Cal or Michigan, I think it makes good sense to go for it.
That being said, I agree with UCB, there are two things to consider when choosing between Cal and Michigan:
- Which campus environment appeals more to you. The two universities, although both elite academic institutions with elite Engineering programs, have very different campus cultures. Go for fit.
- Where do you wish to live when you graduate. Cal will provide you with more opportunities on the West Coast while Michigan will serve you better in the Great Lakes and Northeast.
You really cannot go wrong either way.
What about if u feel u fit on UM campus but want 2 b on West Coast after graduation?
In that case, I would go to Michigan. Michigan has a strong reputation on the West Coast anyway, and fit is very important.
Michigan is well represented in Silicon Valley and not Berkeley. Only one small start up that I worked at that has lots of Berkeley’s graduate.
Tons of Cal grads in SV and very well respected. Lots of UM grads as well and also respected.
I meant not just Berkeley.