My D is not accepted to either, so the question is premature, at best. However, if she is accepted, what would you suggest? Which school is better? Should she apply to Dartmouth “early decision”? The issues are as follows:
1. Is Dartmouth a good school? Her HS counselor says “yes”, but Dartmouth is virtually unknown among our friends / classmates / family.
2. Is Dartmouth known among Californian employers? My D doesn’t mind spending 4/5 years in the middle of nowhere, but she is definitely looking forward to coming back to California, eventually.
3. Berkeley looks familiar, it is much closer, my D has friends at Berkeley, and she is familiar with the culture.
4. Everyone tells us that Berkeley is too big/disorganized and Dartmouth is student-friendly. Is it an issue? D is used to large public HS, where students are supposed to advocate for themselves.
5. Financials / weather/ location / Greek life / diversity/ athletics / distance from home/ crazy parties / etc. – not an issue.
6. Yes, she visited both schools. She is a bit overwhelmed by Berkeley, but able to find her way from cafeteria to Starbucks. Dartmouth looked artificial, too perfect-to-be-true (D’s words).
Should she apply to Dartmouth ED? HS counselor says that she has a good shot and is ready to support D’s application.
Which school would you choose (assuming that she is accepted into both)? Berkeley of Dartmouth?
1. Best education? Berkeley of Dartmouth?
2. Career opportunities? Berkeley of Dartmouth?
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