UC Berkeley vs. University of Rochester

<p>So basically I'm 100% stressed and I can't decide between these two colleges and I might go crazy. I live in Rochester, NY and the cost of U of R for me is $30,000 TOTAL FOR FOUR YEARS (they gave me a crazzyyy amount of scholarships). UC Berkeley offered me $20,000 in scholarships but I still have to take out $30,000 of loans per year. If I indeed go to UC Berkeley, I would accumulate $80,000 loans by the time I graduate because my family would move so I would become an in-state student in my junior year (I know, they're crazy). Based on the assumption that I like both schools equally, which do you believe is a better choice? Is the name recognition of UC Berkeley worth the cost? I am planning on going to grad school, so should I try to save my money during undergrad? I do get homesick easily, and U of R is ten minutes away. However, I completely LOVE the bay area. THE STRESS AHHHHH PLEASE HELP</p>

<p>Save your money and go to Cal for grad school. Live in the bay area in the summers. Maybe study for a semester jr. year at Cal?</p>

<p>Once you get your graduate degree the “name recognition” of your undergrad degree is less important.</p>

<p>UofR is a great school, I would put down my deposit today.</p>

<p>What is your career goal? What major were you accepted into at Berkeley? </p>

<p>I was accepted as pre-cognitive science at Berkeley and Brain and Cognitive sciences at U of R!</p>

<p>Grad school meaning medical school I assume, correct?</p>

<p>If so, I’d save the money for medical school.</p>

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<p>The rules for becoming an “instate” student in California most likely preclude the move affecting your status. Basically you would have to live and work (and not be a student) in California for a year for that to happen.</p>

<p>UC Berkeley is by far the better choice academically. And should you choose not to go to med school having a Cal degree with good grades would open many doors worldwide.</p>

<p>Go to U of R… The difference between the two is not worth $80,000- even if you were allowed that much in loans- and the uprooting of your family!!</p>

<p>Thank you for all of your opinions! I’m leaning toward U of R, but I really appreciate all of your responses :)</p>

<p>Hi:) I’m making the same decision right now, and I’m almost positive I’m going to U of R. I’m from California so while the weather is without a doubt superior to Rochester, the UCB campus is rather large, impersonal, and unattractive. Then again, with a school as large as it is, perhaps that is the type of environment you are looking for??? ANYWAYS, with the cost of attending UCB, I’d say take Rochester–name recognition might be low among the general population, but the U of R has a fantastic reputation for its sciences (plus a highly rated med school). Best of luck:)))))</p>

<p>This is a really easy decision because URoc is such a good school. It may not be Berkeley, but in Brain science it’s pretty hot stuff. And you’ll get a lot more attention as an u/g at Uroc than at Berkeley, which may lead to a better education, internships, and post-BS experience. Really, easypeasy!</p>