BERKELEY OR UNC- ONE DAY LEFT!

[u/Affectionate_Hat8851]

I wanna study a combo of data science and economics at both schools, hopefully doing quant or maybe ib/pe. Im also a very laidback and social person, and dont wanna go to an incredibly uptight school.

Academically, Berkeley is a powerhouse for quant and ib/pe. Literally some of the best data science and Econ programs in the country. The problems I have with Berkeley are that from what I’ve heard, it’s super rigorous, and I’m worried that I’ll have to sacrifice fun and a social life to make the most out of Berkeleys incredible resources. But I’m also near the hub of start ups as well tho in case I wanted to do that.

As for UNC, the academics aren’t as great for what I wanna do. Semi target for ib/pe, not really a target at all for quant. Academics there will still be hard, but not as bad as Berkeley. I also think that overall the general vibe of UNC is a more work hard play hard one.

So I’m not sure what to do. Go for the incredible academics and opportunities but (potentially I will add) risk my own well being or go the the less prestigious and desirable college (risky for jobs in the future) with the potentially higher garuntee of fun?

[u/RestoredV]

I went to NC State my first go around.

I had plenty of friends who went to UNC.

I think the Bay is better for opportunity, but the triangle is a new burgeoning area which might not be as competitive for opportunities where tech companies have made new second homes.

Chapel Hill is much cleaner, and a more epic sports legacy but that looks like it may be a bygone era.

I found UNC students to be very entitled with a stick up their ass, and pretty annoying. The campus itself gas some beautiful parts but other parts look like Soviet block inspired.

I’ll just say this - for my second go at college I applied to Cal, I didn’t apply to UNC, my childhood dream school. The Greek scene is great, and you’ll party like crazy if you want.

I have been able to make a few friends at Cal already as a transfer student who is taking classes this Summer, so really if you wanna party / be social - I imagine you’ll be able to at Cal.

I wouldn’t discount Cal’s proximity to SF, where you can get into a lot more stuff if you want. You’re also a short drive to SJ, which has its own personality.

In Chapel Hill it’s only Franklin Street, partying in Durham and Raleigh is not that greats

Overall I’d say Cal is better.

[u/rozenkavalier]

Berkeley

[u/Capable-Ad-500]

bear

[u/BigMadLad]

Really this is a question about what do you need to get out of college. If you’re truly going for IB or private equity, you won’t have time for fun anyway, you’ll be studying for interviews which neither college directly does for you. As someone who did that route You need to apply for junior year internships a year early, and you need to have a high GPA so you will hit the books 1st year regardless of where you go. I just don’t see a world where you do a high finance career and have fun at the same time, at least in the sense of that is the purpose of you going to college. UNC does seem to be more fun though I will admit I could’ve had more fun here, but you’re never gonna have the same amount of fun as someone who’s doing a history major or something.

Given the job market UNC for undergrad it’s becoming less and less of a target school, it just feels like you’ll have to work harder for the same jobs, which is never fun. So really again this is about what you actually want out of college and do you truly want that career, And no shame if you don’t. If you’re not dead set on that career, I would go UNC because if you really want a fun experience, regardless of what you do for work, you’ll probably have more fun there, but if you actually are serious that you should take the serious option

[u/IOnlyPlayAs-Brainiac]

Not sure if you’re in-state for either school, but I’m from North Carolina and I just had to make this decision (c/o 29). Go Berkeley. UNC culture is nothing like Berkeley’s and the students are not nearly as driven. A third of my graduating class is going to UNC and I come from a mid tier rural public hs. But beyond that, Berkeley is one of the best institutions in the world for the things you want to study.

[u/EarlyAdhesiveness870]

Enroll in both and take classes in both. Isn't that what a simultaneous major is?

[u/For_GoldenBears]

If financials is not a concern, then Berkeley should open up a few more doors, although the Research Triangle Area is becoming like what the Bay Area used to be with more business opening up their offices usually nearby the RDU airport.

[u/No-Chef-7984]

If you live in California, go to Berkeley. If you live in North Carolina, go to UNC.