Berkeley vs. MIT

[carmen d.]

Still deciding between these two schools. I want to study Housing and Economic development and plan to work in the nonprofit arena. I currently live in the Bay Area and it would be nice to stick around for school, but I think I might be missing out on a potentially stronger program for my concentration. I'd be getting into more debt to finance MIT (although I did get a substantial scholarship). Any thoughts on the relative strengths of these programs, specifically in housing and local community/econ development or any other comparisons that may be illuminating?

Any thoughts about the network each school provides (outside of their respective geographic areas), including internationally?

[tanpard]

Out of curiosity, wasn't the deadline on Monday, i.e., 4/15? (At least for MIT.)

[lubinli]

Hi carmen,

Unless you've gotten an exception from these two schools, please contact them ASAP. As tanpard mentioned, the decision notification deadline was April 15 for MIT and UC Berkeley ("You must inform us of your final decision by April 15th" per their acceptance email).

And for what I know in response to your questions -- MIT's focus (and presumably alum network) is much more international than UCB

[carmen d.]

yes, a decision has been made!

[tanpard]

If you wouldn't mind letting us know, which program did you decide on?

(I did not have the luxury of deciding between those two programs but I am sure there are future readers who might find themselves in a similar situation and would find it useful how you ended up making your decision!)

[carmen d.]

I ended up attending MIT, mostly due to funding. For anyone in the future deciding between the 2 I would say that although your friends tend to be more impressed by the MIT name, Berkeley is just as good a program overall and has countless resources on it's campus including great associated centers and departments. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

[Tide]

ooohhhhh lucky you

[Irrationa_Indian]

Congos on the admit! I'd like to get in touch with you, carmen. Sent you an add!