Slorg

I'm deciding between Reed (super academic, undergraduate, not as highly renowned school), and berkeley. I'm wondering if I'm actually going to get a good education a berkeley, or just a fun social life and a good name on my graduation certificate. I've heard that Berkeley is a bunch of red tape and 300 person lectures. Is this correct?
Thanks.

vossron

If you want a job after four years, consider Berkeley; if you want to go to grad school, consider Reed: REED COLLEGE PHD PRODUCTIVITY (count how many times each is in the top ten). If you want to attend both schools, consider that Berkeley is the number one destination for PhD-bound Reed grads: REED COLLEGE LIFE AFTER REED.

Slorg

okay, I'm pretty sure I want to go to graduate school, so I guess I'll go to reed. Thanks (:

vossron

Too bad the world isn't so black and white.

python38

Don't decide so quickly.

Slorg

I won't you guys (; just virtually all of the information presented to me thus far tells me that reed would be much better for me. Crappy thing is they don't have my major, environmental sciences, which sucks. But I guess I can do political science or something.

rider730

Some classes are quite large, because they are requisites for many degrees and a majority of students take them. Many at the school are pre-med, and take classes like Chem 1A. The lectures are big - 500 or more in a big hall - but then there are smaller discussion sections which much more reasonable counts. One lecture and many discussions to ensure that you can ask questions and discuss the subject in a reasonable sized group. Outside of those that are huge like that, many classes are much smaller in size and more intimate. They will not be quite as small or personal as a LAC, but then again neither would a large Ivy. The existence of some large classes does not mean that your entire education, or even the bulk of your education, will take place in them.

Mintwood

Slorg, You may find this link of interest. Reed is launching an environmental studies programme.

Reed Magazine: News of the College

You may also find that your interests change as you progress in school. I think you should think more if you would be happier at a large university or small liberal arts college but you would obviously get an excellent education at either institution. Personally, I found that going to a LAC for undergrad and later to a large research university for grad school to be the perfect combination.

Christopher546

For what it is worth, Berkeley offers a good education. Yes, there are large lectures, but that doesn't mean they water down the material or anything. There are tremendous resources available here, more than are available at Reed. You have some of the best professors in the world doing cutting-edge research in myriad fields. The big difference is that at Berkeley, you need to proactive and go out of your way to seek them out. If you feel that you can do that, I would suggest coming here. If not, then you'd probably be happier at Reed.

vossron

And if you're very shy or don't want to do research, you might want to avoid Reed. Classes are conference-style, averaging 15 students, so you can't sit in the back and listen. Professors hired for their teaching ability will be in your face, pushing you to your limits; they know every one of their students. Every senior is required to do a year-long research project to graduate. Some majors are simply not offered at the small schools. These are some of the standard LAC vs. Big U issues. Most LAC students do grad school at a Big U, so they get the best of both worlds.

88888888

dunno i like it.

Slorg

omg mintwood you are AWESOME!! This makes my decision so much easier.
to vissron: reed sounds good for me - I'm rather addicted to debating and discussing things, in and out of the classroom.