URGENT: UC Berkeley vs. Georgetown :0

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

<p>Looking for any sort of guidance. Lucky enough to get accepted to both, and now so torn between the two. Here are my considerations (and for a moment let's just pretend finances aren't an issue, I can only deal with so many things at once). </p>

<p>History major, open to other humanities subjects, interested in debate, politics, journalism, possibly business and theatre. Might also want to study abroad. </p>

<p>Priority: Great academics, expanding my comfort zone, great group of open people who I can have fun with, have a vibrant social life with, and will accept me for who I am. </p>

<p>Here's what I'm thinking so far:</p>

<p>Cal:
Great history program, also great in pretty much every field, but huuuge class sizes. Have to fight for personal attention. Won't know professors nearly as well. Social life might be overwhelming, but all the people are so genuinely nice and laid-back. Really like the whole laid-back atmosphere. CON: 25 minutes from my house. Also afraid I might get lost in everything, won't make as many important connections. Not sure if I'm ready for such a huge school.</p>

<p>Georgetown:
Fantastic programs in government, economics, and probably history, but I would need to stay in those areas because I think instructional quality drops when you leave them. AMAZING connections with professors, other students, internships, and DC. I would definitely have a plan with my life after four years there. Great personal attention, love the spiritual/moral aspect of the Jesuit education, great support system. VASTLY different vibe and social structure. Not really laid-back at all, and concerned about the social scene and if I'll fit in as much as a more laid-back California kid. Feeling a little bit like I'd have to fit myself to the school, as opposed to Cal, where everything under the sun already exists. </p>

<p>Also posted on Georgetown page. Please help! Thank you!</p>

2

<p>You don’t mention COST, which I would think would be a giant factor in your decision. If cost were not an object, it seems like Georgetown would be a fantastic opportunity for a history major. What are your career aspirations? If they include politics or law, then Georgetown will bring you closer to the hub. You’ll make connections in DC that will lead to jobs in those fields. Regarding the assumed “laid-back”-ness of Cal, I definitely wouldn’t assume that. Those kids are focused and working hard, and Cal isn’t exactly a party school. It might be easier to find a place to fit in at a small liberal arts school rather than a huge place like Cal. Don’t get me wrong, UCB is a great place (my son is in engineering there) but given what you’re looking for, maybe Georgetown would be a better choice.</p>

3

<p>Yes, cost would likely be the biggest factor, IMO. </p>

<p>Will you be living in the dorms if you go to Berkeley? College is a much different experience living away from home vs. commuting. Since you’re so close to campus and have qualms about it, I would suggest Georgetown if you can easily afford it… It would be a great experience.</p>

4

<p>If you choose Berkeley, you’ll still have a great opportunity in Washington DC through the UC in DC program. It’s impressive. [UC</a> Washington Center - Home | UCDC](<a href=“http://www.ucdc.edu/]UC”>http://www.ucdc.edu/)</p>

5

<p>Honestly, go georgetown. For anything public policy related Georgetown is incredible. UC Berkeley also suffers from large classes, poor access to professors, and obscene competition. Georgetown’s DC location will help with internships.</p>

6

<p>^ Did you change your mind about Berkeley?</p>