Berkeley vs. Columbia

[journerdalist]

Is anyone else trying to decide between these two?

Berkeley is giving me some funding (very little though) and I feel that it has the better digital program. It's also in San Francisco, which would give me a great change from New York, where I am now. Small program is a plus, and it's much longer than Columbia's program.

Columbia is Columbia; I think it's really grand if you're doing print journalism, which I'm not. If you're going digital, I'm not sure that it can beat the west coast, especially Berkeley. But it's still located in the current center of the media world, so that's definitely a plus.

I'm leaning toward Berkeley, but any opinions out there that might be helpful?

[ZeitLife]

Hi journerdalist,

Congratulations on getting into both. I was struggling to decide between the two, but I only got into Columbia (and USC) so my mind was made up for me!

I was leaning towards Columbia anyway because of its Ivy League status/greater prestige and the shorter course (an M.S. in ten months means you don't waste any time), but Berkeley's course size means you'll get more personal attention, and the variety of courses is great. As you said, California seems to be leading the way in digital media, which given your interests is an important factor (I love print and online).

Even considering the two schools for someone else is very tough, but I think Columbia may edge out Berkeley (although I'm coming from London, as a NY local maybe you want a change of scene).

Those are my two cents. Try not to hurt your brain deciding!

[Mangwi]

Hello everyone,

I am a upcoming senior in college. I'm considering applying to the J-school at Columbia and I would just like to get more input from people who have already applied and are more familiar with the process. Any tips?

Also, even though the Columbia program does not require a GRE score (for and MS at least) is it worth taking the GRE to be a more competitive applicant?

Look forward to hearing back!