#UMich Ross v UC Berkeley v Northwestern

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plucky monolith
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Schools: Michigan Ross v UC Berkeley v Northwestern
Intended Major(s): Michigan Ross - Business w/ concentration; UC Berkeley - Econ; Northwestern - Economics, Entrepreneurship

Similarities: Love all campuses, collegetowns and vibes so really 50-50 with everything.
PS: Big disclaimer - I got into UMich Ross but WAITLISTED Northwestern & Berkeley - I just wanted to put this out in case I'd have to choose in 2-3 months. Costs are similar/same and want to go into consulting (business analyst or something) or explore IB.

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UMich Ross Pros:

  • AMAZING college town, been told by many what a great place Ann Arbor is to live.
  • Work-social life balance: Seems like the culture is very much work hard play hard and that is perfect for me. I'd love to watch a game in the Big House and go out with people - seems like I'd make many friends.
  • Program and opportunities: Because it is Ross, I read they have exclusive networking opportunities and overall the program is very much to my liking with business classes, core classes, concentration (finance, marketing) in later years. Feel like it's pretty "chill" compared to other schools.
  • Internship: Opportunities for internships are awesome with many desired companies like Bain and McKinsey - I feel like the Ross advantage comes in clutch here.

UMich Ross Cons:

  • Weather - I live in Belgium which is already a bit cold and windy but Michigan seems to be more severe. I don't mind the cold too much but the weather could definitely be a con
  • Public University - Although Ross feels like a smaller group, the state school vibe seems awesome but perhaps a bit too big + intimidating. However, this is truly minor and Ross is a smaller group like I said.
  • Prestige (??) - I don't want to "chase" prestige too much and Ross is very well regarded in terms of undergrad business but the overall UMich is probably lower in terms of prestige compared to the other 2 - I could be wrong here and this isn't going to matter too much.
  • Cutthroat: This is common with business schools but may be a slight problem in terms of the academic environment here. Heard theres a term called "Rossholes" lmao but again, I can meet the right ppl and stay away from pricks.
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UC Berkeley Pros:

  • Weather - SUNNY! Big change from where I live rn and it is ideal
  • Campus - Awesome campus (visited past summer) and cool location near SF.
  • Program: Economics is tied #1 with others for undergrad and the department is superb
  • Opportunities: Not too far from silicon valley (internship opportunities?)
  • Ranking/Prestige - UC Berkeley holds a lot of weight in terms of status

UC Berkeley Cons:

  • Distance - Cali seems sick but it's quite far from where I live rn in Europe and making that trip will be alottt.
  • Public uni - similar to UMich but worse - I did not apply to Haas and this will feel very intimidating and huge!
  • Resources: Because there r so many ppl, opportunities for clubs, resources in general and internships can be ultra competitive and scarce.
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Northwestern Pros:

  • LOVE LOVE LOVE the campus - omg it is AWESOME! Probably my favourite from all 3.
  • Evanston seems relatively safe and cute with a convenient bus ride to Chicago - internship opportunities? nightlife?! Seems like a top location
  • Econ department and program is amazing and well-ranked
  • Athletics - Not tooo big into sports but I dedicate myself to 2 sports - tennis and soccer and NU has amazing facilities for this, think it would be really fun.
  • Great for consulting and if I can take classes (certificate or smth) with Kelogg would be awesome.

Northwestern Cons:

  • Mental Health: Heard students are working like crazy (which I can handle) but to the point where their mental health is concerning. Just heard reports, could be wrong
  • Weather - Windy and cold, yuck. But similar to Michigan..
  • Heard that the social scene is a bit dead and not as "fun"
  • Other cons I am not aware of..

Overall, I am PLEASED to go to Ross but in case one of the other 2 came thru just want to know how much difference is there between these schools and if it is worth changing my mind at all. Or bits I haven't covered and I should know to inform my decision. Thanks guys.

uncut citrus
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If costs are really the same, I'd choose NU because you will get more individual support. But all 3 are excellent option for Econ/Biz. Congrats!

plucky monolith
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Thanks for ur input!

uncut citrus
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Funny. I went to a PhD program that had grads from all these 3 schools.

plucky monolith
hazy badge
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Waitlist at both these schools in around 2%. If were being real you wont get off either. Go to Ross and dont look back.

crystal salmon
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At Northwestern you get avoid a lot of the overcrowding/underresourced situations that you see at publics like UMich or Berkeley. NU has a much lower student to faculty ratio, and students generally have no problems getting the classes they want (even freshmen), which is not the case at Mich and Berkeley

plucky monolith
plucky monolith
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Thanks guys