Help me confirm: Michigan over Berkeley

alliance4177
Sat, 14 Mar 2015 20:40:41 +0000

My little brother is facing this same situation (Berkeley vs. Michigan).

I’m a Berkeley student (engineering), so my bias is definitely towards Berkeley. Nevertheless, Michigan is a school worthy of my respect—great academics and school spirit, frat life especially (from visiting my friend last year).

Berkeley, reputation wise, is indeed much more stronger in China and Asia. Haas is ranked 7th (MBA). Even though you’ll be an undergrad, employers (consulting firms) would know Haas as a business school. This would give you a edge if you intend on working in Asia. So yes, you’re parents are very right about how important reputation for school is — especially when it comes to recruiting.

As for consulting, Berkeley will give you an edge but I’m not too sure about Michigan. On the west coast, consulting firms are pushing really hard on Berkeley and Stanford. Initally interested to going to academicia, I received offers from BCG and Bain & Co in Asia (2 of the top 3 consulting firms) and accepted one of them to try out consulting. One of my BCG interviewers was ab MIT undergrad and Berkeley PhD and shared why he loved Berkeley. Berkeley has a reputation of being a renowned world class research institution (Harvard, Stanford and MIT level) and very academic — he said that in Hong Kong, the laymen perceive Berkeley students as geniuses. Sure, the more educated don’t believe this completely, but they do believe Berkeley students are hard working and are somewhat smart.

Good luck with your consideration.