<p>I agree with most of what people said. Berkeley and Chicago are on par academically, IMO. And I can totally understand spending $10k more, because I would not want to be miserable for the next four years of my life… From what I saw/gather, Berkeley and Chicago are quite different in setting, environment, etc.</p>
<p>So it comes down to what environment you like. I can’t believe someone would label Chicago “mundane,” especially when compared to Berkeley. (I’ve spent a few days in both cities.) Chicago-only fifteen min from the Univ-has a lot more to offer.</p>