<p>I'm a junior and I'm really interested in both schools, and as a Michigan resident I'm curious as to whether or not I can get an experience at UMichigan similar to that I would get at UCB (if admitted, of course).</p>
<p>I know that UCB is somewhat more highly regarded, and I know that that Berkeley is somewhat dissimilar from Ann Arbor, but looking at it from a solely undergraduate perspective I am wondering if it is worth the extra $$ to go to Berk.</p>
<p>I want to major in Biochem or molecular bio (and I am in love with UCB's chem department) and really want some excellent research opportunities (I will be premed with the goal of eventually becoming an MD/PhD student).</p>
<p>Further, I want a liberal-leaning college environment and a good hometown feel to the college's town/city. Finally, I really want to go to a school with a well known name for the sake of research recognition.</p>
<p>So what are your thoughts? Is it work an extra $5-10k to come to Berkley over UMich?</p>
<p>“So what are your thoughts? Is it work an extra $5-10k to come to Berkley over UMich?”</p>
<p>In my personal opinion, YES. If cost wouldn’t be a problem for you and your parents, the additional cost of 5-10k is worth it just for the experience alone. Academics aren’t the only thing you’ll be paying to go to a school like Berkeley. You’d gain worthwhile experiences for living away from home and Berkeley would adequately provide you that as Berkeley is a vibrant and thriving community.</p>
<p>However, if you get into Ross, stay. I would choose Ross than the lower Ivies even.</p>
<p>first, you’ll have to fly instead of drive. Which means not as much stuff.
Second, you won’t be with all your friends.
Third, state schools are cheapter
Fourth, you parents can deliver you food somtimes
Fifth, it’s less of a hassle overall
Six, It’s hard to establish residency in Cal
Seventh, Cal is raising tuition again… and our living costs are higher… it’s not just 5-10k difference… </p>
<p>I personally only applied to state schools for the cheap cost, so I’m sorta biased. But stick with UMich. </p>
<p>The prestige doesn’t matter for undergrad. It’ll be a great experience at Berkeley, but UMich is also pretty awesome and cheaper. That means more money to spend for Med School/Masters/PhD…</p>
<p>There will be some things UC Berkeley provides which can beat out what Michigan provides. Definitely some academic things. Now, that doesn’t mean someone going to Michigan undergrad is at all going to turn out less qualified – Michigan is a terrific school, and I know really, really intelligent people who come out of there and go to great graduate schools and such. </p>
<p>The key thing is – if you’re asking this question, you seem to know little about the differences between the two. I’d suggest doing your homework in great detail. If this weren’t as good a school as UMichigan, I’d not even think before saying come to Berkeley, but it is UMichigan.</p>