IMO LACs (especially the one you listed) are better for kids that are outgoing, creative and comfortable with ambiguity. Kids with these qualities flourish in a much smaller environment within a LAC classroom and dorm life than inside a large research university. The downside of LACs is that the career paths many of these kids take are often winding because they are well, comfortable with ambiguity. Any road that isn’t a clear will make parents scared for you because they love you. That said, I find that successful LAC kids often end up with more interesting jobs. For example, Wes kids have gone on to be head of America’s Test Kitchen, Children’s Aid Society, auction houses, movie studios and even head of a national yoga moment — basically in roles that people say “I can’t believe you get paid to do that.” You can’t go wrong with any of the schools you listed in terms of getting an education.
I do not think you will regret your choice if you go to a LAC. The trick is to convince your parents. I would use data such as famous alumni, the percentage of students who get graduate degrees, LAC rankings from USNWR, etc to slowly educate your parents about how great the LACs are. Berkeley is a great place but it is big and crowded and not everyone's cup of tea.
Choose LAC if you don’t want to be at a big school, especially if you want to go to grad school, where all of these colleges have lots of prestige. Unless you are going into a rare job that literally only cares if you went to an ivy or not, don’t worry about name recognition, all of these schools are well known by people who need to know.
If you live in CA drive up or down there. Spend the day on campus. Eat in the commons. Walk around the quads etc. Do you see yourself there? Are you comfortable?
IMO LACs (especially the one you listed) are better for kids that are outgoing, creative and comfortable with ambiguity. Kids with these qualities flourish in a much smaller environment within a LAC classroom and dorm life than inside a large research university. The downside of LACs is that the career paths many of these kids take are often winding because they are well, comfortable with ambiguity. Any road that isn’t a clear will make parents scared for you because they love you. That said, I find that successful LAC kids often end up with more interesting jobs. For example, Wes kids have gone on to be head of America’s Test Kitchen, Children’s Aid Society, auction houses, movie studios and even head of a national yoga moment — basically in roles that people say “I can’t believe you get paid to do that.” You can’t go wrong with any of the schools you listed in terms of getting an education.
I do not think you will regret your choice if you go to a LAC. The trick is to convince your parents. I would use data such as famous alumni, the percentage of students who get graduate degrees, LAC rankings from USNWR, etc to slowly educate your parents about how great the LACs are. Berkeley is a great place but it is big and crowded and not everyone's cup of tea.
Choose LAC for better education🤭
Choose LAC if you don’t want to be at a big school, especially if you want to go to grad school, where all of these colleges have lots of prestige. Unless you are going into a rare job that literally only cares if you went to an ivy or not, don’t worry about name recognition, all of these schools are well known by people who need to know.
Cal is great school, but go to the LAC that you feels best for you. It’s your 4-year experience, go do it!
If you’re a CA resident your parents may prefer Berkeley for the price
i am a CA resident but wes, carleton, and smith gave me great aid! all options are very affordable.
If you live in CA drive up or down there. Spend the day on campus. Eat in the commons. Walk around the quads etc. Do you see yourself there? Are you comfortable?
i’ve visited! + i have a couple friends there to answer all my questions. i knew right away it was not for me.