As the title says, which would you pick? Keep in mind for UCB that I got into L&S and not engineering, so I will need to reapply for CS after taking prereqs.
Georgia Tech is admission to College of Computing, CS
Olin would be major in ‘Engineering with Concentration in Computing’
Would love to hear your thoughts. I’m visiting/touring all three soon.
Have you taken any AP computer science classes in high school?
If the CS comes nature to you, it shouldn’t be an issue for you to get GPA 3.3 in the three prerequisite courses at Berkeley.
CS is in L&S at Berkeley. There is no CS in engineering dept.
As someone with many CS majors friends at Cal, if you cannot make the minimum requirements to declare CS here, you will probably not be very successful at a CS major anywhere else, so I wouldn’t really take that factor into account.
I haven’t taken AP Computer Science or any school taught computer science course. There aren’t any offered or else I would have taken them.
thats an interesting point, but I also know that UCB is more competitive than most schools.
Hair-splitting.
There is CS Division in EECS Department in College of Engineering. Of course “there is no CS in engineering dept” simply because there is no such thing as “engineering dept.”
Back to the original question…
That’s a nice dilemma to have, but it’s a dilemma nonetheless. I would consider other factors: location, cost of attendance, non-academic activities, …
I tend to agree with @anxiousenior1 . If you can’t make the minimum GPA requirement to declare (not “reapply to”) CS major in L&S, you’ll likely have a tough time everywhere else. This is even more true if you’d like to go on to grad school.
@Pentaprism EECS is not CS. Berkeley had two dedicated CS majors until a few years ago. One in L&S (B.A.) and one in Engr. (B.S.). The CS in engineering was alongside EECS. That CS major was eliminated. OP was talking about a CS major, there is only one at Berkeley. EECS is different. They have wildly different requirements. You can call it splitting hairs. Whatever.
COA isn’t a big deal for me. Location doesn’t matter as much either. The only thing preventing me from going to UCB is I feel I will not do well in such a competitive environment, where everything, including clubs, is so merit based and cutthroat.
Please correct me if Im misguided.
This is a common misconception. The environment at UCB is competitive simply because almost everyone is smart and everyone is trying his/her best, not because everyone is trying to cut each other’s throat. Would that be the environment you want to be in?
My D was once a GSI for one of the “core” classes. She held multiple review sessions before each exam, weekly “homework” club where everyone was welcome to ask for help and to help. That didn’t count multiple office hours in which everyone got personal attention (albeit maybe a long wait). Of course noone will hand it to you, but as she put it, “If one looks for help, (s)he’ll find it.”
If you’re into theory of computing, check out what Simons Institute at UCB has to offer. It may tip the scale.
UCB and GT can be very cliquish/competitive so if that is a concern, Olin would be a much better choice.
I’m sure Olin students are all smart and want to do their best as well, yet Olin is known for its collaborative nature. I would go to Olin if not for my concerns regarding the academic quality. Just looking at their course catalog, they don’t have courses such as data structure or algorithms, common courses in a CS curriculum. I know at GT or UCB, I will no doubt get a strong academic foundation in CS.
Yet again, since I plan on going to Grad school I don’t know if this is a big deal… Olin does place well into HSM for grad school.
Location matters a lot.
UCB will give you the best chance to get a job in the Bay area, Olin will give you the best chance to get a job in the Boston area, and Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Bay area does have the most number of CS-related jobs, but if you have a rough idea what you want to do with your CS degree and which city/area serves your interest the best, then that would be the choice.
@kjake2000 I will turn this question back to you 
Have you made a list of pros and cons for each university? putting it down on paper may help you understand better.
what do you feel is the right fit?
Do you want academic rigor?
Do you want a stress free undergrad that helps you coast through good GPA?
How hard are you willing to work?
What is the ideal scenario for you?
Do you get intimidated by people as good as or better than you?
Are you capable of managing very demanding work load, a good social & meaningful life?
Many times high schoolers tend to overlook the fact that while they may be the top10% in their school most kids who come to highly competitive schools are all as good as better than them. It is very hard climb from there.
Nothing is easy in college, you obviously have good work ethic to make it this far. If you are not sure if the rigor of a university is for you, especially when you career is on line think hard before you leap.
Listen to your parents, GC, Mentor, a close trusted friend, or anybody who knows you well, we on this forum will quote stats, and argue the merits and demerits of the university, job market and our own perception of what is best for you. At this point in this game when you secured admissions to all these competitive universities, the only opinion that matters is yours. Unfortunately no one but you can decide for you, ask yourself where is it that you will be inspired to raise up to the challenge and achieve your goals. My only advice is don’t go somewhere where your confidence is undermined or to a place that is too boring. You need to be in the Goldilocks zone 
that was very insightful… thanks very much.
I think the problem for me is I want academic rigor and depth in CS but I don’t want the associated stress and risk of failing. However, I’ve learned that I learn best when Im at this risk of failing…
More stuff to consider I guess.
Ummm, no. The EECS department has for decades offered two degree programs: a BS in EECS (in the College of Engineering) and a BA in CS (in the College of Letters and Science). Within the BS in EECS degree program, students could choose to emphasize CS, EE, or some combination of the subjects. But there was no BS in CS (in the College of Engineering).
just something else to consider when making this decision, Ive recently gotten into Georgia Tech’s LLC (equivalent of Honors College)
This is something that will make my decision that much more difficult.
@ GT you have a direct admit to CS and the LLC
@ UCB You have to apply for BA in CS and be able to manage a 3.3
they are equally good schools, and if GT is offering you LLC, you will have the resources available to you that will open many opportunities. I think that is a great option.
Congrats and good luck!
I think in regards to CS, Berkeley is better than Georgia Tech (however to what extent is very debatable). I feel the rigor and environment of Berkeley would help me succeed more, even if I have a lower GPA.
However, you make some good points that I’ll consider.
Lastly, what are your thoughts on my third school, Olin?
Something to consider. I just read this whole thread. You have never taken a comp sci class. Olin only has 3 majors. If along the way you decide that you really like some thing else more, your other choices have significantly more opportunities available to you. And yes, Olin does not have typical CS courses. All things to consider when making your decision.
Also, the impression that I’m getting reading this thread is that Olin will be less rigorous or in fact easier compared to your other choices. Personally, I believe that to be a misconception. The courses are certainly different but that doesn’t make them easier. You’ll certainly work hard there.
Best of luck on your decision.