<p>I'm a cali resident applying to both these schools. I'm still not SURE of what I'm going to do yet, so both these institutions are well-suited for that, having lots of options available for undergrads. However, I think I'll be concentrating on business. Both these schools have excellent business programs but I was wondering if anyone had any comments/opinions on which one is better or how they vary. </p>
<p>Not only business either - I'd like to know the pros and cons of each university compared to the other. Prestige aside, I'd like to know how these two schools stack up against each other in reality. Thanks :)</p>
<p>If you're a cali resident, then there's no doubt Berkeley would be a better option. It's cheaper. Academically I believe Berkeley's business program has a slight advantage over Michigan's.</p>
<p>berkeley for sure knowing that you live in cali -- both are great schools though</p>
<p>berkeley is not very diverse.... and why not go out of state?</p>
<p>You're absolutely right Banana. Out of state is more expensive but it just appeals to me so much because I've been in SoCal all my life, so a ticket to Michigan is a way for me to come into contact with non-Californians. BUT this is only one of the reasons I like Michigan. There are so many and I'm just seeing what others have to say.
Thanks a lot for the input so far everyone</p>
<p>Michigan has a better a sport team, bringing with it many social implications.</p>
<p>It's hard to turn down Berkeley instate for Michigan oos. The value at Berkeley is much greater. However, I will say that Ann Arbor is a great place to spend four years of your life. Even with the sometimes brutal winter weather. Best of luck to you wherever you go. :-)</p>
<p>
[quote]
berkeley is not very diverse
[/quote]
</p>
<p>What an absurd statement--Berkeley epitomizes diversity. Nearly a third are Pell Grantees. A large portion (at least a quarter, I believe) are first-generation students. It enrolls roughly 20% underrepresented minorities, and its 40% Asian populations spans every possible Asian country you can think of--China, Japan, Cambodia, India, the Philippines, etc. 85+ languages are spoken on Berkeley's campus, and it enrolls students from over 100 countries. Many religions are represented in its student body, and you're likely to find people from all walks of life in its ~35,000 students. Berkeley reflects (not models) the diversity of California, the nation, and the world.</p>
<p>If that isn't diversity, I don't know what is.</p>
<p>To the OP: I would agree with the others that Berkeley has a big advantage here since you're in-state. Also, northern California is very different from southern California, so it's likely to be a nice change for you. I would also give Berkeley the edge as an overall university anyway (top faculty, top research, top facilities, top students, top reputation, etc.), but Michigan is a great school too.</p>
<p>I agree with you kyledavid80. The thing I will say for Michigan is that it is a bit more complete university overall than Berkeley. Michigan does almost everything well. I will admit that Cal is deservedly the number one rated state school and, IMO, should be rated a top ten university. Certainly above many of the smaller less complete schools that are currently rated ahead of it.</p>
<p>rjkofnovi,</p>
<p>PA of Berkeley 4.8
PA of Michigan 4.5</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>
[quote]
The thing I will say for Michigan is that it is a bit more complete university overall than Berkeley.
[/quote]
Michigan only more complete in terms of: (1.) having a medical school with the Michigan name attached and (2.) having more tradition/better facilities for football.</p>
<p>Mandolive,</p>
<p>of course, Berkeley weather >>> Ann Arbor weather</p>
<p>My guess is that UMich isn't going to beat Berkeley's in-state tuition price, so be prepared to pay the premium.</p>
<p>I will say that UMich's Ross school of business will be more heavily recruited by Wall Street/east coast firms, while Berkeley's Haas will be more heavily recruited by Silicon Valley/west coast firms.</p>
<p>I was born and raised in Socal. I found Berkeley's environment to be refreshingly different and the right distance from home. Only a visit can let you know for sure...</p>
<p>I plan to visit soon.
You guys have been insightful and very helpful. Thanks :)</p>
<p>I'm a big fan of both schools: went to Michigan as an undergrad, taught for a year at Berkeley. They're both terrific institutions. </p>
<p>Overall Berkeley's probably got the best faculty in the country: top 10 departments in 35 out of 41 core academic fields according to the 1995 NRC ranking (now a bit out of date, but it probably won't change all that much when the new rankings are released in the fall). Not even HYPS can match that, though they're close. Michigan's faculty is also outstanding, definitely in the top 10 in overall faculty strength, but you've got to give Berkeley the edge, especially in sciences where Michigan is strong but Berkeley is tops. Student stats are remarkably similar but Berkeley's students are 92% in-state; lots of racial and ethnic diversity but not so much geographic diversity (unless you count SoCal v. Bay Area as diversity). Michigan is 35% out-of-state, lots more kids from the East Coast, generally better connected to NY and DC, while Berkeley has better connections in SF, LA, and Silicon Valley. Berkeley weather is better (though lots of cold rain and fog in Dec-Jan-Feb), Michigan football is better (though maybe not by much anymore, but a better stadium, better tradition). </p>
<p>I'd say if there's one place Michigan has an edge in undergrad education it's in offering an honors program that puts you in small classes with top profs and all the best & brightest in the entering class, as well as honors housing. Student stats in the honors program are comparable to HYPS. It combines the intimacy of an elite small college with the resources of one of the world's great universities. But you only get in if you're in the top 10% or so of the entering class. If you do get into honors, it's worth giving Michigan serious consideration. If not, it's hard to see that Michigan gives you any advantages over Berkeley, unless you just want to be farther from home or are a rabid Wolverines fan. As between the two, I'd probably take the one that offers in-state tuition.</p>
<p>actually Mandolive if you are Asian it's tougher to get in to UCB
Both schools are great but I think UCB is ranked above UMich</p>
<p>^^ Berkeley does not take race into consideration for admission.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The thing I will say for Michigan is that it is a bit more complete university overall than Berkeley. Michigan does almost everything well.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Even Alexandre would agree that above statement is also absurd. What does Cal NOT do well (besides not having a med, dent, vet, & ag schools)? (Ok, the Big House beats the tree sitters.) IMO, the big advantage for UMich is the college town atmosphere in Ann Arbor, since Berkeley is much more urban.</p>
<p>I'd visit Michigan in the winter if you could. </p>
<p>I've lived in both California and Michigan, and it's culture shock to move from one to another. You have to learn to love snow if you're going to live up here. </p>
<p>Good luck =]. Both are great schools, but I like Berkeley better just because the students there were much more open and accepting. But I'm not applying to either so take that statement with a grain of salt lol.</p>
<p>I'd say Berkeley is probably the best college city out there, IMO.</p>
<p>How is it absurd bluebayou? Michigan is a more complete university than Cal. It's a more complete university than just about any school in the country. That is not a slight to Cal whatsover. I never suggested Cal didn't do anything well, just that it is not as well rounded overall as Michigan in all disciplines. To suggest Cal is inferior to Michigan in any way academically would be absurd. I think you misunderstood my remarks, and if it was not clearly stated earlier, I hope this clears it up.</p>
<p>
[quote]
What does Cal NOT do well (besides not having a med, dent, vet, & ag schools)?
[/quote]
Cal does all those well too... just at Berkeley's satellite agricultural school (now known as UC Davis) and medical school (now known as UC San Francisco)... ;)</p>
<p>Now c'mon UCB. You know what I meant. ;-) LOL</p>