UPenn or Berkeley

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I'm planning to do Cognitive Science/Computer Science (either with dual degrees in comp. sci. and Biological Basis of Behavior at Penn or by double majoring computer science and cognitive science at Berkeley).</p>

<p>I have trouble deciding between Penn and Berkeley and if anyone has advice or information, I'd really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Finances - With financial aid, Penn will cost about $7,000-8,000 more. (in-state for Berkeley)</p>

<p>Special programs - Penn has a special Cognitive Science/Artificial Intelligence dual-degree program in which I can get a BSE or BAS in computer science and a BA in either Biological Basis of Behavior, psychology, linguistics, or philosophy. </p>

<p>At Berkeley, I'd get a B.A. (double major) in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Are there significant differences between have two bachelor's degrees versus one with a double major, in terms of graduate school or employment? But would focusing on Computer Science + one cognitive science field result in less breadth than Computer Science + cognitive science in general?</p>

<p>Future career prospects - As of now, I hope to eventually get a PhD in Cognitive Science and go into academia. However, I want to have as a fall-back option maybe a career in the computer science/IT. For the latter, isn't the Bay Area better? How does one degree in Comp. Sci./Cognitive Sci. look compared to having a separate BSE/BAS in computer science?</p>

<p>AP credits - I have a lot of AP scores (5's). How much credit can I get for them at Penn/Berkeley? I'm hoping this will help alleviate the load of a double major/dual-degree, since I definitely do NOT want to take more than 4 years to graduate.</p>

<p>Research - Would Penn offer better opportunities/resources for undergraduate research compared to Berkeley?</p>

<p>Department strengths - Berkeley is ranked much higher in Computer Science. Not sure about Cognitive Science/Neuroscience/Psychology/Philosophy.</p>

<p>Specific to Penn - How does a BAS differ from a BSE, in terms of chances of employment in industry (if I end up choosing this path)? Will I graduate in 4 years if I go for BSE?</p>

<p>Other - Both are large schools--how does Penn compare with Berkeley in terms of bureaucracy/advising/support/students getting "lost"/excessive competition?</p>

<p>Would it be feasible to do the following for Penn?
BSE in Computer Science, BA in Biological Basis of Behavior, minor in Philosophy</p>

<p>Could I contact advising/counseling at Penn (or maybe a professor at Penn or Berkeley) about this?</p>

2

<p>There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that either dual-degrees, double concentrating, or minors improves your prospects post-college.</p>

3

<p>Penn is not worth 28-35 K more than Cal.</p>

4

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<p>I’d say pack your things now and go to Berkeley, even if it will cost you 38k more than attending UPenn. </p>

<p>If this is liberal arts and humanities, i’d probably go for UPenn. But for most of the fields in engineering and computer science, it’s very hard to resist a Berkeley offer especially if it costs less than the other option.</p>