Wellesley vs. NYU Stern vs. Berkeley

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
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<p><em>Sorry for posting this under three different threads...but I want to get the opinions of students who've been accepted to each of these schools.</em></p>

<p>So I've been accepted to all three schools - Wellesley, NYU Stern, and Berkeley. Obviously I'm psyched to have been accepted, but now I'm not sure which one to go to. There are reasons for and against choosing each school, but I'm still not completely sure where I would be happiest. </p>

<p>Wellesley - My parents have wanted me to go here since I was born (in Boston). Seeing as they're Chinese, the fact that Madame Chiang Kai-Shek went there is a big cultural boost for them. Of course I would never choose my college based on what my parents wanted for me, but their happiness would just be an extra plus. Another reason why Wellesley appeals to me is that I want to pursue a liberal arts degree.</p>

<p>The main problem I have with Wellesley is the fear of having no social life. I don't want to turn out super aggressive and competitive. After working so much in high school, I don't want to be constantly studying and working during college. Also, I think boys are fun to be around, and I've heard that you have to make a genuine effort to meet them. I also know that a lot of Wellesley women are perceived to be promiscuous due to pent-up sexual frustrations they have to harness in during the weekdays. </p>

<p>NYU Stern - Obviously NYU Stern is a prestigious business school, but I'm not all too sure that I want to be stuck in such a large school. I know that Wellesley and NYU could not be more different, but I honestly could see myself at both schools. Another plus for NYU is the location and the opportunities that come with it. </p>

<p>UC Berkeley - Berkeley has a great name and the weather in California is nice (though I honestly don't care too much about weather as a deciding factor). However, I know that a large portion of the student body is Asian, and being Asian myself and having been surrounded by Asians most of my life, I would appreciate a school with more diversity. Furthermore, I know that many of the UCs are struggling with the budget cuts and some students have not experienced delayed graduations. Lastly, homeless people are known to frequent the area and I've heard the drug culture is quite prominent (not that I care THAT much). </p>

<p>I know that this is a long post, but basically my questions come down to these:
1. Which school has the best reputation? (I know I shouldn't choose my schools based on reputation, but since I'm so torn between them, this would help.)
2. Which school would give me the best opportunities? I really want to go on a foreign exchange program at least once during college.
3. Which school would give me the biggest boost in terms of finding a job after the graduation?
4. Which school would boost my chances of getting into a good graduate school?</p>

<p>Financial aid and other expenses are not a factor.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it.</p>

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<p>runbunny, First of all, Congratulations, you have some excellent choices and I’m sure you have worked hard to achieve them.</p>

<p>I will focus on the following first:</p>

<p>You stated, “After working so much in high school, I don’t want to be constantly studying and working during college.”</p>

<p>Well, I have heard that UC Berkeley is a school where the students ( A LOT of Asians in the school) study, study and study. It is ultra competitive, may be particularly in the math and sciences. Also, you are paying a hefty sum to attend as an out of state student? Unless you moved to CA since being born in Boston? I do not think it is worth it to pay as an out of state resident. Especially since you do not care about the weather factor, which might be a positive for some people. Also, I remember of all the schools, it seemed the most “unmonitored” and open to “unseedy” elements from the neighborhoods right outside of the university town. I saw a few homeless people loitering around (only school where I saw that). The university village it is in is charming with great cafes, shops and dining areas. But given the price you have to pay and the type of “student life” you will experience that is influenced by a sizeable group of serious Asian students, you may end up paying too much to not get what youwant in a college experience.</p>

<p>Now, if you are familiar with some of the threads here, you will also realize that Stern is one of the schools, along with CAS (certain programs, particularly its science/ pre-med programs), which seem to demand that students be studying all the time. There is also a sizeable Asian population at Stern, with its emphasis on strong math skills and high achievement in GPA and scores. The competition and the curves are tough and the school operates on a grade deflation policy (only top 20-25%? get As). There will be relatively few “freer” days before the intensity of the program hits, with students reporting no sleep during exam periods. However, if you do well at Stern, you will likely graduate to make one of the highest pay salaries fresh out of school (probably working on Wall St. or with some big business corp). I believe the program trains you to dedicate yourself to long hours of work for your future employer. Yes, you will do well financially, but you will likely pay with many hours of work and dedication to your boss. Networking for Stern students can be excellent, esp. if you are a go-getter.</p>

<p>I am not sure this is what you are looking for. Though with NYC all around you, you should be able to squeeze time for some “fun.” Maybe if you hang around and do not work the entire summer. But I think school would consume most of your time given how demanding the Stern program is and how it is set up to reward those who sacrifice most (their personal time and “quality of life.”)</p>

<p>By the way, Stern’s freshman class should be around 500+ people. So the class itself is not huge. You will also work together on projects and there should be quite a few guys to interact with.</p>

<p>In terms of having more time for "fun’ and enjoyment of other aspects of college life besides studying and staying focused on professional career goals, the liberal arts setting would be best for your need to “live a little.” So, in this regard, Wellesley may be good for you. The only thing is it is a women’s college. You can take classes at Harvard and MIT where you can meet the guys but it is not like they are right on campus. Wellesley is located in a highly affluent but family-oriented suburb of Boston. So the social life will be limited except for forays to other farther away campuses in Boston (doable but not ideal).</p>

<p>Well, there are drawbacks and pluses in each, as you have identified. Ideally, I think you should be attending NYU CAS where you can be in a strong program academically but still have time to experience all that NYC and NYU can offer you socially and culturally. Because you will not have to study all the time except if you are, say, pre-med.</p>

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<p>By the way, NYU probably has the best and most organized/ “seamless” study abroad programs of the three because the programs are spread out in many countries and allow for fulfillment of credit requirements with a vast array of classes offered for some if not most majors.</p>

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<p>I’m going to pitch in a little about Wellesley, as I’m familiar with the culture there. As with Berkeley and Stern, the culture is INTENSE. Ever heard of the Wendy Wellesley stereotype? It’s the image of an overachieving girl who balances three majors, 2 internships, and 4 club positions at the same time. An exaggeration, of course, but there is often truth in stereotypes. Wellesley is fiercely competitive (especially in the sciences/pre-med) at many levels. Basically with these three schools you are picking from the least of 3 ‘evils’ (if you could call an intense culture that.)</p>

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<p>evolving - Thanks for your detailed response! A lot of great stuff to think about :)</p>

<p>justspice -Yup, I’ve definitely heard of the Wendy Wellesley stereotype. It’s something to think about, but I’m leaning towards Wellesley right now because I think the competitiveness may be good for me in the long run. Thanks for the input! :)</p>

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<p>runbunny,</p>

<p>Congrats on coming to a decision (I think). I believe you chose well. That would have been the school I would have chosen years ago. :slight_smile: I wished I had applied to Wellesley, but I was too attached to NYC, my hometown. So I chose Barnard College and it was a “natural” environment where I fit in well. My peers were all achieving and ended up accomplishing great professional goals. Yes, it was a lot of work and it was competitive, but I was prepared to work hard, so it was OK (yuck, but not during the final periods when I remember once staying up 3 nights in a row.)</p>

<p>I do understand your desire to balance your life in college, a good thing to want, if possible, at this stage in your life. Because before you know it, soon you will have to deal with the adult responsibilities of raising a family, paying bills, working at a job, etc.</p>

<p>Enjoy life even while you are learning things academically. That is where my son is at as a NYU CAS student. He is learning, feels challenged, yet he is having fun and loving life. I can’t ask for more as a mom. Hope you experience the same balance!</p>