Wanderingspirit819

If cost was not a matter (Columbia's need-based would cover a lot of my expenses), would Columbia be a better school than UC Berkeley or UCLA? Or any UCs in general? Why? I'm from the Bay Area, and live relatively near Berkeley (Half an hr).

I fell in love with Columbia ever since I visited NYC over the summer, but I don't particularily like the cold. I don't like Berkeley's setting, but I absolutely love LA. What are the pros and cons to each school? (social life/students/academics) Any alumnis/students are welcome as well. Thanks!

corneliasusie

Know what you mean. My son actually blew off responding to Dartmouth's hints at flying him out. He got his heart set on Southern CA, but Manhattan and air-conditioned dorms, even if old, at Columbia have his attention. If the education is great, Minnesota will do, but then I'm not the one going, my son is.

astrina

Fellow Norcal-ian here (hi!). Went to UCSD for undergrad, currently finishing up a PhD at Columbia. Little siblings currently in undergrad at UCI and Cal.

If cost isn't an issue, come out here. The education is comparable between the Ivies and UCLA/Cal, but the opportunities for networking and personal growth are way better out east. Staying in CA was a fun, albeit somewhat sheltered, experience. I met a lot of cool people with similar backgrounds in SD and we had a lot to connect over. But out here, I've met people from all over the place (lots of international folks here), Columbia and the Ivies are world-renowned, and as much as I hate to admit it, the name appeal goes a really long way with employers and other schools. And it's not that cold! The city is always buzzing with activity, the subway stations are warm and dry in the winter, the holidays are beautiful, we have actual SEASONS, and you can always commiserate with your fellow Californian expats!

UCBChemEGrad

What's your intended major?

neiro6

@corneliasusie: watch out, only two of the five freshman dorms are AC'd right now. (Furnald and Carman) it truly doesn't matter after the first two weeks but don't get your sons heart set on it haha.

Hen123

UC system has its pros depending on what you want to specialize in

Wanderingspirit819

My interests are quite varied--I've always intended on majoring in biology or chem, but over the last few years I've developed quite an interest in marketing & business. I want something that will bring new development & excitement every day.. I've been so confined to the suburban atmosphere; I guess that's why the big city life excites me!

And also, I heard from some people that once I go to the East Coast, I won't come back due to the connections & jobs I wiuld've made & have to leave behind...what are everyone's thoughts upon this?

UCBChemEGrad

Cal has strong programs in all those fields, especially chemistry and undergraduate business. The problem is it's difficult to double major. If you're leaning strongly towards chemistry, Cal 's College of Chemistry is small and the best in the country...at in-state rates it's tough to beat. The Haas School of Business is also great but competitive for entry as a 2-year upper division program.

If you want to eventually settle down in New York, Columbia will have an advantage for that.

Best advice is to apply to all, see where you get accepted and what financial aid offers are awarded. The decision will likely become clearer for you then.