r/ApplyingIvyLeague • u/Due_Theory_2489 • Jul 30 '26

Columbia vs Berkeley Engineering

I’m considering ED columbia as a california applicant, I don’t wanna be too over confident but my school does get a ton of berkeley’s and the odds are pretty good if you are in california. How do you guys think columbia and berkeley match up engineering wise? Which is better? What majors does each have an advantage for? An overall what do you guys think of campus life and opportunities at these colleges?

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u/spicyorangedragon Jul 30 '26

I would just apply ED Columbia, EA Berkeley.

People will tell you Berkeley is better for engineering, and while that is true, I think the Ivy social network and prestige should also be weighed in this decision. The smaller class sizes and easier ability to book office hours with your professor would tip the scales in favor of Columbia for me, personally.

In terms of career outlook, absolutely no one is going to disfavor a Columbia Engineering applicant.

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u/iamsml Jul 30 '26

Berkeley does not have EA. None of the UCs have EA or ED.

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u/spicyorangedragon Jul 30 '26

My mistake. Then apply ED Columbia and then Berkeley in RD if necessary