<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I was recently admitted into UCB, Vassar, and W&L U. I have heard from many people that these are all great schools, and obviously I am drawn to Berkeley's reputation. This is going to be long but please hear me out/give advice.</p>
<p>I have several problems that are worrying me about choosing where I go. The biggest problem is money. All three have given me full rides although at Berkeley I would have to take out $9,000/yr. in loans whereas at W&L and Vassar I would only need to repay $3,000/yr. Money is definitely an issue and Berkeley would be much more difficult to attend because of this.</p>
<p>Second, I'm not sure where the best place is for my major. I am interested in majoring in History with a concentration in Military History/Foreign Affairs/Conflicts, but I don't know which of the three would provide me with the best opportunities to study such a subject. I am aware that at Berkeley I would be stuck with massive class sizes and probably would not get to know my professors too well/have the best quality instruction. Does anyone know if Vassar or W&L are better for History in general? (Obviously in Undergrad I wouldn't be concentrating just yet and am mostly saving my interests for Grad school)</p>
<p>Third: Location. Berkeley is in the Bay area. Poughkeepsie and Lexington just can't beat that, not in a million years. I suppose location doesn't enter in as nearly important as other categories, but I need to be in a place that has life and that isn't in the middle of nowhere like the aforementioned places. Berkeley seems like a college town, which I greatly admire. If I attend college, I want the whole experience of college life minus the massive boozy parties. Plus I have been living in CA for my entire young-adult life and have grown attached to the state, so Berkeley in terms of location is a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Lastly, I'm simply worried about attending a place that is all work and no play. I have worked hard to get where I am, but honestly I'm very into finding a place that balances studies with fun. I'm not sure how Berkeley stands, but I've read that Vassar has a bit of a party atmosphere, and the Greek life at W&L Dominates. I'm not a partier, just someone that enjoys having good surroundings to just chill in, so I suppose I'm actually opposed to the party life at W&L and Vassar. Again, I have no idea what life is like at Berkeley so any testimonials would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Sorry this is such a long post, but I'm just having trouble deciding. I really want to go to Berkeley, but then again I'm not super sure as to WHY exactly I really want to go there (Mostly because of reputation, location, and the surrounding city). Please give any advice that you can, I don't want to make a poor choice.</p>