flipacoin

I was about 90% set on Berkeley, especially after I found out about their travel grants. And then yesterday Columbia offered a 27k scholarship, so that puts them back in the running. How are you doing on your decision?

Thanks for your input, it does seem like we are in a similar position. In fact, I'm considering the M.S. at Columbia, as I am not really interested in any of the M.A. specializations, and my main goal is new media. I do agree that Berkeley has a stronger new media focus, but I wonder if I really need/want two years of that. I am pulled toward being able to freelance while in school, and I know Berkeley really supports that, so that would help take the edge off the 2 years out of the field. Columbia is too intense for any freelancing. And, you're right, living in the Upper West Side and going to school 6 days a week would not provide an authentic NY experience, so maybe that should just be stricken from the "plus" side for Columbia. I would love to hear more about what you are trying to get out of school, and which way you are leaning, and why.

Applied and accepted to Berkeley and Columbia for New Media concentration. Offered a Berkeley fellowship that almost covers tuition, but the big cost is living for 2 years. Still waiting to hear about $$ from Columbia, which is essentially more important that even getting in. I'm having a horrible time deciding between the 2: Berkeley has a better programs, but it would be great to get an Ivy Masters in 1 year!

I am a 30-year-old journalist with 7 years experience in the print world (magazine editor, freelance, online editor), and I want to make a move into video and new media (ideally as a producer). I applied and was accepted to both Berkeley and Columbia for New Media, and I'm having a terrible time deciding between the two. I know there are many out there with the same dilemma, so I thought I would start a discussion and hopefully glean some advice. The problem is that it is comparing apples with oranges. Here are the pros/cons for each school, as far as I can tell: * Berkeley: - Incredibly flexible and in-depth 2-year program. There are so many classes in new media, video, video for the Web, Flash, HTML and international reporting that a student can virtually custom-design their program. For someone who doesn't particularly want mandatory classes in writing/reporting, this would be a huge plus. It seems that most students would learn a LOT more technical skills than at Columbia, which has a very rigid writing-based program. The options for internships and international reporting look amazing. - For in-state students (me), it's only 10k a year. With my fellowship, it is almost free (except for the cost of living in the Bay Area for 2 years). - For experienced journalists who really just want to absorb some new skills and get back to work (or are in their 30s), 2 years is too long. * Columbia: - As an Ivy, it can open a LOT of doors. Hard to turn down a chance to put such prestige on your resume, regardless of your future career. Even if Berkeley might offer a better program, most employers might not know that. - Intense 10-month program, ideal for those that want to get back in the field ASAP. - The experience of living a year in Manhattan - very appealing for a lifelong West-Coaster. - 50k + living: Ouch. However, if you factor in that you would probably be making salary the 2nd year, it could make it cheaper than Berkeley. - Many of the career connections coming from Columbia would be based in the NY media world. Considering I want to move back to SF, this might not make much sense. - Those are just a few of the many considerations running through my head. As every journalist's career goals and lifestyle expectations are different, many of those points won't apply. But I would love to hear some other POVs.