<p>The world is getting smaller. The international reputations of both CMU and Tufts, not only Berkeley, is significant… But then, you never mentioned reputation as a factor. Only RML did. Ultimately, international reputation is a factor if you don’t plan to stay in US post-graduation. </p>
<p>I’ve heard about the challenges of registering for classes as an undergrad at Berkeley:</p>
<p><a href=“UCSD & Berkeley: Are students able to get classes needed to graduate in four years? - State Forums - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-colleges/1477282-ucsd-berkeley-are-students-able-to-get-classes-needed-to-graduate-in-four-years.html</a></p>
<p>As for approaching professors, your reticence might be an easier thing to surmount at a smaller-sized school like Tufts. My D finds profs and advisors very approachable and unintimidating. She got over her own nervousness and has arranged meetings with profs to discuss internship opportunities. The academic support is strong, too. After working with a Writing Fellow on a paper for a required history class, it was suggested she apply to be a Writing Fellow herself. The confidence she got from such a recommendation was golden. She did apply/ interview and will indeed be a Fellow next year. So I’d say accessibility and personal attention have not been lacking in her experience. </p>