<p>I've been accepted to UC Berkeley, USC, Boston University, and Seattle University, and I definitely need help deciding where to go. I'm a Political Science major looking to go into Law. I'm looking for a school in an urban area where I can have a good balance between my academics and my social life. Close relationships between students and professors are important to me, so small class sizes are much more desirable than large lecture courses. Thanks a lot guys, I'm having a horrible time deciding!</p>
<p>Hey TWWGB, I have kids at Cal and USC. Both are great schools and each of my children are very happy with their respective schools. Both offer plenty of social opportunities for those who are social. USC may have smaller class sizes and more professor interaction than Cal, although my Cal son has had great professors who he interacts with. Once you are in your upper division classes, your professors will know you and classes will be small. USC has more financial flexibility at this time than Cal does because they do not need funding from the state legislature. In my kids’ opinion, Berkeley is a better urban area with a lot more to do (especially if you will not have access to a car) than USC. Berkeley’s campus has a more natural feel to it even though it is in the middle of a city. USC is in a slightly scarier urban area. At Berkeley, you will have to be very independent. At USC, you also have to be independent, but their customer service is great and people are very helpful and polite there. And that means everyone from the president of the university to the parking lot attendants. They are very accommodating. USC is a great top 30 school, but Cal has a long and storied reputation for academic excellence that is widely recognized around the globe. Do you like rain and snow and cold weather or would you like to be hanging out in your swim wear during September/October? Any of these schools will serve you well so why not choose the one you like the best? Kids who want to get involved with professors can do so anywhere. People who like to socialize will find others who like to socialize. What place or city do you like the most? Which one is just the right distance from the family (not too close, not too far)? Which one would you be most proud to say you attend? Berkeley and USC have drastically different campus personalities, but each of my kids was accepted to both and both could have been happy at either one. If you have not visited Berkeley, please do so before deciding to attend. Our family loves Cal, but it is not the right fit for everyone. I do not know much about BU and SU. Good luck and congratulations on your acceptances.</p>
<p>BU and Seattle are out. They are nowhere close to Cal or USC. I would choose between Cal and USC and if aid is equal than CAL is a no brainer.</p>
<p>According to this site: [Law</a> School Admissions Forum - (Applications Advice, Letters of Recommendation . . . )](<a href=“Law School Admissions Forum - Top Law Schools”>Law School Admissions Forum - Top Law Schools) there are way more Berkeley grads accepted to top law schools in the nation (T14) than there are USC grads, let alone BU or Seattle U grads. </p>
<p>And, according to some insiders, it’s only in the intro class that you’re going to be big class sizes. As you move pass sophomore, your classes tend to be smaller. Junior and Senior classes are usually under 15 students. It’s really comparable to the best ivies. Plus, Berkeley is famous and a degree from there is very well respected across the nation, more so internationally. Your under choices are not so much well-known respected, though they may offer better college experience than Berkeley does. (I’m not sure about this part though.) If you can afford to attend Berkeley, I’d say pack your things and go! Otherwise, USC would be a good alternative.</p>
<p>Thanks guys- I’m definitely leaning towards Berkeley, and I’m going to Cal Day in a few weeks, so that should help me decide. It’s for sure between there and USC at this point. thanks again!</p>
<p>visit both schools and that may help seal your decision</p>