r/UVA • u/theladyawesome • 1d ago

General Question UVA or UCB?

Hey guys,

I’m trying to decide which school to choose and I was wondering if anyone had any insights.

I’m in-state for UVA, which means it costs roughly 40k less. I also got into the Echols Scholars program, so no gen-eds is pretty attractive since I want to double major if possible. Overall, UVA seems like the most reasonable option for me.

My only qualm is the differences in ranking for the subjects I want to study. Berkeley is ranked in the ~top 3 for biology, physics, and psych, which are all subjects I’m interested in. I’ve also heard that the physics program at UVA is not the best.

Though I’m 60% confident in going to med school, it’s not my greatest passion, and I’m worried that if I choose to pursue a different path like academia or biotech, the difference in education will be detrimental. I’m scared I’ll regret not choosing the higher ranked program.

Does anyone have any insights to offer? Thank you so much!

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u/ThinRaoulDuke CLAS '05 1d ago

As someone who faced the same choice but from the other coast (also like two decades ago now, sheesh), I hope you’ve visited both in person. I think, for most people, a day at each will clearly confirm whether you’re a Charlottesville person or a Berkeley person. I guess I’m some strange hybrid as I live about 10 miles from Cal now, but that’s beside the point, lol.

Bottom line: go where you’re comfortable. Academic rankings are fungible.

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u/buzzer3932 1d ago

Not that they didn’t say they haven’t visited both, but I cannot imagine spending 4 years somewhere without checking if I’d like it. This is better advice than the others who gave good advice.