UCB Econ(Pre-Haas) or CMU Tepper

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

Hello everyone! I was admitted to both schools, and I’m struggling to make the final decision. I am an international student (Asian male) who is planning to work couple years in the states after undergrad. I am fairly well-around and passionate about many different things. That’s why the decision is so hard for me between these two. My major concern is if I end up with a Econ major, my job opportunities would be very limited comparing to CMU Tepper. On the other hand, Cal absolutely has a more comprehensive college experience. (food, sports, diversity and etc.)

Pros about each:
I like UCB’s location, weather and diverse environment. It offers a broader range of courses than CMU and certainly more opportunities in general.

I love CMU’s smaller class size and growing business program. (The new Tepper building will be completed 2018 Fall) Also, being a Tepper undergrad makes it feasible to take a CS minor or even double major. I heard the post-grad placement is very good.

Cons about each:
UCB has too many students, which means less attention for me comparing to CMU. Getting into Haas is nearly impossible for us because only about 5 out of over 100 applicants are accepted every year from our pool.

CMU’s social life and location kinda suck comparing to Berkeley, and if I find CS or Business tedious, I have few options to switch.

Looking forward to your valuable advice!!! Thank you!

2

Visit both and see which one you like better. Pittsburgh vs Berkeley. If want small class sizes then go to CMU. If you want more opportunities go to Berkeley. P.S. i will be going to Berkeley next year as an Econ(Pre-Haas). Im a rare commodity that you would not want to miss out on.

3

I just visited both! I like both too, but they have very different styles. I feel like Berkeley is more like a society and more liberal. CMU is like an ideal place for academics.

4

as someone who had to make this choice (priority waitlist for CMU, so im taking that as if I really wanted I could have gotten in), I went with berkeley, as there are more business options in the bay compared to pit. Also, you can get around the class size by getting to know your professors, and at least if you dont get into Haas econ is still ranked number 1 in the world and has a great reputation. You have 2 options at Cal compared to 1 as CMU

5

Econ guys from Berkeley still do great in recruiting, job placements, etc. Just as an FYI.

6

If I’m an international student who needs H1B visa, would the “niceness” of UCB’s Econ still apply to me in terms of recruitment?

7

No idea how any of that works, sorry.