Schools Cornell vs. UC Berkeley for Engineering Physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the decision-making process between attending Cornell University, which offers a safer environment and the Meinig Scholarship, and the University of California, Berkeley, known for its strong engineering and physics programs along with the Regents Scholarship. Key points include the contrasting climates, with Cornell's harsh winters being a notable concern, as highlighted by a reference to physicist Richard Feynman’s choice to leave due to weather conditions. The conversation also touches on the urban environment of Berkeley, which provides easy access to San Francisco but comes with a higher crime rate and housing challenges compared to Ithaca. Ultimately, both institutions are recognized for their academic excellence, and the decision may hinge on personal preferences regarding safety, climate, and living conditions.
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I was very fortunate to get into both Cornell (with the Meinig Scholarship) and Berkeley (with the Regents Scholarship) and have the difficult decision of choosing between the two.
While I know Berkeley is known for its engineering and physics programs, Cornell is apparently strong in that field and its environment feels a lot safer.
If anyone can give insight or anything else, it would be much appreciated!
 
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Well, Feynman left Cornell and went to CA because of the miserable winters in Ithaca. That should tell you something :smile:
 
Congrats on your very impressive scholarship offers. :smile:

To the point by @phinds -- have you visited both campuses? Have you visited them in the winter?

Full disclosure -- I went from my undergrad at UCDavis in NorCal to my graduate MSEE year in Michigan under scholarship, and was able to layer up to deal with the winters... :smile:
 
Berkeley is in a major metropolitan area. Hop on the BART and you can be in San Francisco in no time. Cornell...um...is not.

The crime rate in Berkeley is 35% higher than Ithaca. Is that significant? Maybe. It certainly has more homeless, and it certainly has more demonstrations that are, as they say, "mostly peaceful".

Academically, both are excellent.
 
Look into housing availability and cost. The Bay Area is difficult in that regard. It's a great place to live, but everyone else wants to live there too.
Academically, I don't think it matters. They are both great schools.
 
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.

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