Caltech [$90k+] vs Columbia [$90k+] vs UCSD [full ride] CS/AI

lkg4answers
Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:48:25 +0000

Catcherinthetoast:

There is a reason you never hear Caltech or other elite school’s alum or parents saying “I choose Caltech but could have gone to (lesser school name)”. Conversely, you will frequently hear folks validating themselves by describing what elites they could have attended or boasting of an entirely theoretical identical outcome. Perhaps it’s true but the prospect of having to look back and wonder “what if” would give me pause.

Those that feel that they should have gone to another school often leave quietly.
It is difficult to admit that you made a mistake. Sticking it out often leads to mental health issues which is a common reason people give for leaving. But what was the problem in the first place? What made the student start doubting themself? What caused their unhappiness? Fortunately, there are a couple of people in this thread who have shared first hand experiences.

I know someone who did their undergrad in engineering at a UC and PhD at a small specialty school similar to Caltech. The school was small and I don’t want to dox them so I going to be a bit vague. They were MISERABLE. They stuck it out mostly because they felt the professor would ruin their reputation if they backed out. Their parents bragged about what their child was doing, but the student was a shell of what they were before entering that PhD program.

I know many, many students who drop out or take years off from Berkeley. It is a rigorous, anonymous, cut throat school and not a good environment for everyone. Fortunately, Berkeley will hold a spot for the students who decide they need to take a year or two off. I’m not sure if Caltech does the same.