The Polar Opposite Conundrum: LAC vs Berkeley

Student615
Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:00:52 +0000

I made the Scripps/Berkeley decision myself. Chose the former. Zero regrets. I had a lot of trouble making the choice (I’m in-state, so Berkeley was closer to home, better known, and less expensive), but in the end, it was the right one for me. I told my parents that I loved Berkeley (and I did…beautiful campus, fun town, wonderful students), but that it just wasn’t right for me at the time, and that I’d look back for post-grad plans (I kept my word, too ;)).

I’ll spare you too many of the details behind my choice, but the bottom line is that it was entirely subjective. I had a fantastic time at Scripps. I’m sure that I would have had a positive experience at Berkeley, also, but a LAC allowed me to grow in some very important ways. It was an environment that I enjoyed, but also one that really allowed me to thrive (more so than I think a larger school would have, but I’m sure that differs from person to person). I was entirely undecided re: major (as in, choosing between engineering + humanities), so I appreciated the flexibility allowed by the Claremont schools. I wanted small, discussion-based courses. I wanted to live on campus throughout college (and to be happy about it). Sports + Greek life were non-issues. I knew the Berkeley area and knew a lot of other students heading there, but I sort of wanted to break away from that. Above all, though, it came down to “fit”–gut instinct, tour experiences, and the fact that the Scripps students I met really spoke to my personality/preferences/concerns in a unique way.

I’m happy to elaborate a bit more through PM, but the bottom line is that the decision is a personal one. Neither Berkeley nor Scripps should hinder grad school prospects. It doesn’t sound like your daughter has any bad options…congrats + good luck to her :)