<p>I want to major in computer science.</p>
<p>UC berkeley is #3 in undergraduate computer science but UVa is higher ranked overall.</p>
<p>Which one is better for me?</p>
<p>also, to the people who are currently attending UVa: are you guys happy there? I'm asking because there are A LOT OF THREADS on the UCB page with people saying they hate their lives/school/berkeley/stress</p>
<p>UC Berkeley is actually higher overall at 21st, while UVA is at 25th (US News). I would say where you go is dependent upon location and your financial situation. If you live in California, then it is hands down Berkeley. Berkeley is known for computer science and their program is stronger than UVA’s, but either university is going to give you a fine education in CS. If they are around the same price range, or money isn’t an issue, which seems to be the case since you didn’t mention it, I’d say go to whichever is closer to your location. In my opinion, neither of these colleges are worth traveling across the US to attend. Both great universities, but still. Also, I’ll be majoring in CS at UVA, and I’ve talked to several professors in the program. They have been very outreaching and it definitely seems like I’m going to have a great experience. UVA also has a much more beautiful campus and history than Berkeley IMO.</p>
<p>IMO, overall rankings aren’t as important as the rankings for your college or major unless you are iffy on your curriculum choice. UC Berkeley is definitely considered a premier institution for CS. Virginia would be fine but no one will say “wow, you got your CS major at UVA”. If you get your CS major at Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, Stanford etc they will say “wow”. How much is the “wow” worth? Nothing if you hate your 4 years at UC Berkeley. Keep in mind that while there are a lot of postings on CC the opinions may not be representative of the student body. </p>
<p>BTW - the ranking systems are very subjective and no one should consider that there are real differences when rankings differ by a small amount, e.g., 21 versus 25. In fact, there may not be substantive differences between schools ranked 10-25. But, if you are top 5 versus 25-40 then there’s definitely something about the top 5 school that differentiates it from the generally good school. UC Berkeley would be that top school while UVA is your generally good school for CS. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>