<p>For the zillionth time, though, though, RML, within the United States, Berkeley’s “brand power” is mostly in California. It’s just not on the radar screen much outside the west coast. You may passionately want it to be, but people just don’t think of it all that much in the Midwest and East, unless they have personal connections / ties to that area. That doesn’t make it not a good school - it’s a fine school - but please stop pretending that the brand power it has in California is national. it isn’t. Most people will never come across a Berkeley grad in their lives. For most people it’s “oh, someplace out in California” with a bit of historic hippie vibe thrown in for good measure. </p>
<p>Amherst more prestigious? In the northeast? Oh god, yes. Absolutely. </p>
<p>Prestige can ONLY be answered by “among what audience, in what region.” </p>