<p>I'm deciding between UC Berkeley and Northwestern, engineering at both schools. I know that Berkeley is ranked higher, but I know both schools will provide a great education. What I'm more concerned about is the social life and other activities that would be available at each school, along with the competition/cutthroat nature in the classroom. </p>
<p>As a UCB engineer (or NU for that matter), do you have a well-balanced life? I want to be able to have time to work out, play basketball, and have a social life aside from studying on the weekends. That being said, I also plan on working hard and getting good grades, and will usually put my academics ahead of my social life. My main question is, which school will provide the LEAST instances where I would have to set aside my social life in order to keep up with academics? </p>
<p>I feel that being an engineer at Cal really works out. I have time for a social life and for my studies. I don’t work out or anything myself, but if I wanted to I’m sure I could. There are two school gym facilities by the way and it only costs $10 to get access for a semester. My neighbor, who is also an engineer, works out at the RSF just about everyday. I gotta say though the academics are pretty challenging in both a good and a bad way. Good in that it is intellectually stimulating and bad because it is sometimes stressful.</p>
<p>From what my friend tells me about NU, about 40% of the school population is part of a frat or sorority and there are always lots of parties going on. I really can’t say Berkeley kids party as hard since our academics are more grueling.</p>
<p>I’ll just agree with dill_scout - I think Berkeley’s engineering program is really great. It’s difficult but not overwhelming. The material is really challenging and stimulating and it takes a considerable amount of work but I’ve never felt like I was studying 24/7 - there’s plenty of time for a social life and fun.</p>
<p>I agree with Yon. JBM, think of it like this: a lot of my friends are Berkeley EECS engineer majors who got heavily involved (meaning they are interns now) for some of Cal’s recruitment and retention centers. Although Physics 7A was sucking life out of them, I noticed my friends would ALWAYS make time out to go to meetings and events for the organization just like every other intern would.</p>
<p>My point is: if you love your activity so much, you will naturally find time for it. :)</p>