Hello everyone, my final college decisions came in today and I will be choosing between my top two choices: Princeton and the UC Berkeley-Sciences Po Dual Degree. I am interested in exploring the social sciences and perhaps psychology. I will be going to both Cal Day and Princeton Preview.
My family can afford both (Princeton full tuition, Cal in-state tuition) but the Dual Degree is significantly cheaper.
I would choose Princeton in a heartbeat over regular UC Berkeley (because I’ve grown up all my life in Berkeley), but the Dual Degree in France is very appealing. I have lots of family in Europe and speak French fluently. The idea of having both an international and American experience in one is unique. If I commit to Princeton, I would apply to the Novogratz Bridge Year and do that if I am accepted.
I hear clinical psychologist and I think “grad school.” I know you said your family can afford both, but remember, they’re going to need to afford more than four years of education for you to achieve your career goals. Something you should consider when making a decision.
Clinical psych grad program was 6 straight years plus post doc. And who knows what funding will be available for training programs and internships in coming years.
Amazing choices - congrats!! The schools are different enough that hopefully one will stand out as the best choice for you after the accepted student days.
Thanks for bringing that up. I meant to add that, but I got sidetracked. They are different in many ways. Hoping the OP can give us an idea what they like or dislike about the coasts, the size, the milieu etc.