For a difference of 7K a year, I personally think it's a close call. Have you visited both? Do you know, in detail, what all each school has to offer? What kind of environment are you looking for for the next four years?
** I think you're probably right. No, I have not visited both, actually, so far I've visited neither. I don't have the money to take trips to places I'm not sure i'll get into. Since I've been offered admission at GA Tech, I'm going up there next weekend (11th) to check out Atlanta and then the school that Monday. I don't think Berkeley even tells you if you get in until the end of April, and GA Tech wants an answer by May 1st. So, if I get an answer from Berkeley on Apr 29th that by some luck says I've been admitted, i'd have to decide very quickly to go or not go and i'd have no time to visit before I make that call. :(
As far the type of environment I'm looking for.. I want a school where my classmates are hard-working and motivated, there are research opps and internships avail for undergrads. I want a good education that involves a balance between theory and real-world hands-on problems. I want to get enough exposure to things hands-on so that I know where I want to focus by the end of my undergrad experience. I want to be in an environment where I can find good study groups, tutoring, and where I can schedule appts to speak to professors about their research. I also want a school that people will see on my record and automatically know that I worked hard for my degree, and possibly will choose me over another potential job candidate because of that. Health food on campus is a plus, too! And, having a nice city nearby is nice, too. Tech jobs in the area are a must as well because my boyfriend is moving with me and he works in IT.
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I honestly haven't heard of any university keeping one as out-of-state. Usually it's the privates that charge a fixed rate for any given student, and the publics that differ with location.
** Someone who goes to GA Tech said she is in her 5th year and still pays out-of-state tuition. I think that sucks! I was hoping that i'd transfer in as out-of-state, but that after a year or so my status would change due to establishing residency. I still haven't heard back from any schools about this.
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I am relatively positive that the UC's do have both in- and out-of-state tuition.
Yes, they do. But, my question was on if you pay out-of-state for >1 year or if you get in-state after so long.
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I would strongly recommend visiting the
www.collegeconfidential.com discussion boards. They have individual boards for all of your schools listed, as well as a multitude of information and knowledge that I think you would find very usefull.
Never heard of it, but I'm going to head over to that site for sure. Thanks!
Much appreciated.
Angela.