UC Berkeley vs. Wash U vs. Vanderbilt

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>for the past few days, I have been in this dilemma, trying choose among these three schools I got accepted to:</p>

<p>Washington University in St.Louis</p>

<p>UC Berkeley</p>

<p>Vanderbilt University</p>

<p>I know that they are all good schools, but when I weigh the pros and cons of each school, I can't seem to choose one easily...</p>

<p>The major I applied for is Biology for each school, and I am an international student who have to pay full tuition no matter which school I choose to go to. </p>

<p>It's actually coming down between Wash U and Berkeley because I know that they both have amazing bio programs. However, while Wash U is a private university that has small classes and also a medical school (which Berkeley doesn't have), it is not much well known internationally despite its higher ranking compared to the prestige that Berkeley has. </p>

<p>When it comes to Berkeley, while it has great programs other than Biology if I intend to change my major, I feel like there won't the same kind of relationship between the teachers and the students as there would be in Wash U. Also, correct me if I wrong, but I read on CC that there is much more competitive atmosphere, and the students there are cutthroat. There is also financial problem that they are facing...</p>

<p>If you were in my shoes, which college would you choose?
Any advices or comments will be fully appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I’m not exactly in your situation and I’m majoring in Psychology which is a bit different, but I don’t think you should throw Vanderbilt out of the mix.</p>

<p>I’ve been having the same dilemma–choosing between Vanderbilt and Berkeley. I’ve been going through a lot of pressure from teachers to choose Berkeley, but heard that there have been some financial problems, lack of communication between professors and students and not a lot of research opportunities. At a smaller college, I think you’ll be able to find more research opportunities which is very important if you want to continue your major in grad school.</p>

<p>Not a lot of people have heard of Vanderbilt here (I go to a small private school in China), but I think if I want to get a maximized education that allows me to take advantage of my education, I’d probably choose Vanderbilt (so I’m probably heading there this fall!). Not only that, but Vanderbilt is more clinical psychology based, which is what I want to study if I continue on with my major. So you should probably look deeper into the biology aspect and read through a few of the scientific journals of each college and decide which one sounds more directed towards your interest!</p>