Congratulations. Tough call. I would think only you know what you’d really like to do. I also do believe there’s something about being pulled from a waitlist, that reversal of fortune and sadness turns to a big unexpected surprise that makes something seem better than it may be for you. It’s very subtle.
I really respect cal academically and it’s brand is very strong on a global basis. Wash U is even more selective but it’s brand is not as fully formed outside of the USA. It’s well known to sophisticated employers and grad schools.
Hers the rub. Cal has a real SJW vibe and perhaps the most activist campus in the USA. That might be a great thing or not. Your call. It’s also more economically diverse than Wash u but perhaps not culturally. It’s also known as a pretty intense place but perhaps your major and smaller college is different than the premed math and engineering majors.
It’s a good choice to have but a pretty clear one in my book.
Big, Uber liberal and really smart in a so so neighborhood. Better direct major.
Smaller, liberal like most schools, really pretty wealthy, really smart in a more familiar location. Good but not perfect major.