So as the title says, the University of Chicago, Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and University of California Berkeley are my top three choices right now (gotta make my decision in less than a month, AAAAHHH). I’m looking to major in poli sci or public policy, possibly go onto law school after undergrad.
I wouldn’t be considering UCBerkeley except that they’re giving me the Regents’ and Chancellors’ Scholarship and it would be in-state tuition, so much cheaper (my parents would prefer if I go to UCB).
In terms of school life/culture, I think I could fit in at either Georgetown or Chicago, but I am at least a bit concerned about the stereotypes about both places: that there are a lot of obnoxious preppy Georgetown kids and that there are a lot of weird maybe too nerdy Chicago kids. At this point in my life I would probably say I am more similar to a Chicago kid in that I enjoy intellectual discussion and am not terribly interested in sports, but I am definitely extroverted and am a social guy.
So far the indication I’ve gotten is that Georgetown, especially SFS, is a kind of pre-professional education, and getting internships and job offers is very important there. At Chicago, it seems like its very focussed on learning for the sake of learning, and that you are shunted more towards grad school or academia than a career.
I guess based on the limited info I’ve provided, does anyone have any opinions on which choice I should make? Leaning more towards Chicago and Georgetown over UCB at this point. My main concerns would be placement at law school, ability to get a job after graduating, having an enjoyable or at least bearable time (I’ve heard that some people actually hate Chicago, while I haven’t heard that about Georgetown). Thanks!
It’d be between Berkeley and UChicago for me. If cost were equal, Chicago would win. I turned down Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton for grad school at Berkeley, but undergrad there seems like a real factory. OTOH, if we’re talking $260K vs $0, I’d probably go to Berkeley and commit to doing whatever it takes to get the best education possible there (which would be pretty damned good).
And re whatever it takes – here I mostly mean initiative. Making sure you get the classes you need when you need them (does Regents/Chancellors help with that?). Getting to know your profs by talking in class, taking seminars, going to office hours, etc. Talking your way into grad courses. Seeking out research experiences and funding, etc.
Chicago is a brilliant university and you will get an outstanding education. Georgetown SFS, however, is very focused on international relations and foreign policy. If you are keenly interested in international relations, go with Georgetown. If your interests are broader, or you are seeking an absolutely first class education, go with Chicago. I’d only go to Cal if I was instate. It definitely is not worth the OOS supplement.
Depends on how big an issue money is and whether you’re interested in the public vs. private school experience. You got into UofC and Georgetown SFS, so by default, you’re in the top percentile at Berkeley. You should note that your experience at a large state school will be very, very different at UofC or Georgetown. Answer that question first and then narrow the choice down.
At Berkeley, you have to be very proactive. With a class of 5,000+ undergraduates per class, it’ll be difficult to stand out. UChicago and Northwestern essentially dominate Chicago, so you’ll have a much easier time standing out and getting academic-year internships in downtown Chicago (FYI Chicago’s entire undergraduate class of ~5,500, so fairly small). Georgetown SFS is appealing because it’s more relevant and you’re in D.C.