<p>I’m familiar with both schools. They are very different places. Liberals are very much at home at Chicago, but there are a variety of voices. Actually that might be better than Berkeley, where conservatives are pretty rare.<br>
Your intended major might make a big difference. There is no engineering at Chicago, and engieering is a big part of the Berkeley scene. </p>
<p>Chicago actually gives credit for some of the AP’s. If you have a 4 or 5 you can get credit for some classes, and get into more advanced sections in others. Also you can forego the language requirement if you get a 4 or 5. </p>
<p>You have to average 3.5 classes a quarter at Chicago, but with AP credits and if you take 4 classes every quarter, it is possible to graduate in 3 years, although it would be a little grueling.</p>
<p>Both schools have great departments, but you’ll have much smaller classes at Chicago, especially in lower division. Both have large graduate schools, so there are lots of opportunities for internships and research.</p>