What is the best for Computer Science: Berkeley EECS, Carnegie Mellon SCS or Cornell Engineering?

Colleges & Universities University of California - Berkeley
1

I am OOS, so all the options are about the same price tag… I don’t mind intense workload, but what of these three would allow me to have a better chance for a “normal” life during college? (real friends, not AI-generated ones… :slight_smile: )

2

Normal life? Then, I would say Berkeley. You can go out to SF during weekends with your friends and have fun.
CMU is primarily for engineers - so the student population would be more studious than usual.

So, that narrows it down to Berkeley and Cornell. I would say Berkeley over Cornell

  1. Berkeley is close to SF - you can hangout with your friends at SF during weekends
  2. Better temperature - people will be more willing to visit others’ dorms (when living in different buildings) when it is not freezing outside and go outside for sports and activities.

Imagine you want to organize your friends for some sport or to visit your friends. If it is raining or freezing outside, your plans probably won’t be successful. But with the good weather of UCB, you can go outside or visit your friends at almost anytime you want.

3

I think either Cornell or Berkeley would provide you with a well-rounded college experience. However, I think it is outrageous to pay out of state fees for Berkeley… Cornell is maybe your best option.

4

@PentaDad I think the OP’s family income is higher than what qualifies for FA at Cornell. Thus, similar price tag. Also OOS Berkeley fee is still lower than private universities’ fees.