Berkeley or SUNY?

[berkeley2014]

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I know this question gets brought up all the time (but not as much in recent years), but I'm honestly split when it comes to my decision between Berkeley and SUNY. I went to Berkeley for undergrad, so I'm not sure if I'd like to be at the same school for 8 years, but then again it's Berkeley. But SUNY is great as well! I guess I have/am seeking opinions regarding 3 main questions-

1. Has anyone else made the decision between the two and what factors led you to school the school you ended up attending?
2. Do you ever regret your decision?
3. How hard would it be to get a job in CA after graduation if I were to attend SUNY? Would school reputation be a factor?

Thanks!

 

[reesespieces]

I have been told that Berkeley is known for research whereas SUNY is known for clinic. Both schools recruit the best students in the nation and both have excellent reputations so you are going to get a quality education at both no matter what.

The west coast, especially California, is oversaturated so it is going to be difficult no matter which school. Berkeley might give you more connections however.

 

[drumstix]

Exactly as reeses said. With these two schools, you can compare their academic focus both of which are excellent. You'll have to look at some of the other "external" features such as their locations (would you like going to school in the Bay Area vs. Manhattan?); their weather (mild and pretty year round in Berkeley vs. NYC winters and summers -- note, I've heard it stinks there in the summer, literally smells because of the amount of people and garbage in the streets put out by businesses because of how extremely busy they are, etc.); cost of living between the two; etc.

 

[guest99]

Berkeley is the top school in the USA, I wouldn't turn it down if I was you.

Not to mention the better weather and smaller class sizes at Berkeley.

 

[optoapp2012]

Berkeley's reputation as "for research" is kind of old though. There's certainly still a ton of cutting edge research going on that students can get involved with if they want. But in the past, Berkeley required students to be active with the research side and that's not the case anymore. So if people are interested in research, then certainly Berkeley is a great option. If they aren't, then it really doesn't matter. I'm one of those not interested in research.

As for clinic, I don't think Berkeley brags enough about the clinical program. I am a current Berkeley student, and we start on the slit lamp on our first day of first year (most schools start in the spring of first year or not until the fall of second year - but I hear this is changing). We can do most pieces of a complete eye exam by the end of the first semester. When we go out on rotations, we have a reputation of being among the best prepared (I think it's that we start clinical training so early so we've just had more time to practice it).

One other thing is looking at the number of patient encounters. Berkeley expects students to have 2500 by graduation. Most other schools are around 1500. I don't know if it's consistent across schools as to what they count as a "patient encounter" (i.e. does eye wear count?). But Berkeley's clinic is open 7 days a week and you spend a LOT of time there...which is great so that you get max practice time in the relatively short 4 years of training. That whizzes by so you need lots of exposure with someone looking over your shoulder to help 🙂

That said...I don't know anything about SUNY's program, since I didn't apply or visit there. So, I'm sorry I can't offer a comparison! I just wanted to counter some of the rumors out there about Berkeley 🙂 Lots of the info is outdated or maybe because some schools are better at advertising their strengths than others.

I have been told that Berkeley is known for research whereas SUNY is known for clinic. Both schools recruit the best students in the nation and both have excellent reputations so you are going to get a quality education at both no matter what.

The west coast, especially California, is oversaturated so it is going to be difficult no matter which school. Berkeley might give you more connections however.

 

[optoapp2012]

Another thing you might want to do is try to visit the current student boards and find several current students in different years at each school. Ask them whether they have liked their experience and to be honest. Different people are going to have different answers - so ask several. And also find out some other things to see which response comes from someone who most closely resembles you. I think some people will have different experiences based on how much time they feel like they have to study for tests (more than their peers? less than their peers?), how they handle stress (is that one of their strengths or weaknesses), if they feel stronger at academics or clinic or equal between the two (if you've had some job or shadowing experience that gives you a sense of whether interacting with patients comes easily to you or not), etc. I know a number of people here who have different feelings just based on their personality and strengths and weaknesses. I know though for Berkeley that in general, people have a really positive feeling about the education they are receiving, really like Berkeley, and are really glad they came here. But you brought up another good point in that sometimes a move is half the fun. No one in my class lived super close to SUNY to hear whether they wish they had stayed there. A number came from Berkeley undergrad and don't mind more years here. I think the grad student side offers some differences from the undergrad experience.

Again - no idea on SUNY...sorry!

I know this question gets brought up all the time (but not as much in recent years), but I'm honestly split when it comes to my decision between Berkeley and SUNY. I went to Berkeley for undergrad, so I'm not sure if I'd like to be at the same school for 8 years, but then again it's Berkeley. But SUNY is great as well! I guess I have/am seeking opinions regarding 3 main questions-

1. Has anyone else made the decision between the two and what factors led you to school the school you ended up attending?
2. Do you ever regret your decision?
3. How hard would it be to get a job in CA after graduation if I were to attend SUNY? Would school reputation be a factor?

Thanks!

 

[berkeley2014]

Berkeley is the top school in the USA, I wouldn't turn it down if I was you.

Not to mention the better weather and smaller class sizes at Berkeley.

Thanks for bringing me back to my senses everyone! Almost let my desire to experience a different environment get the best of me haha

 

[drumstix]

Thanks for bringing me back to my senses everyone! Almost let my desire to experience a different environment get the best of me haha

Can't you do an externship in NY through Berkeley at 4th year?? If you are curious about working there?

 

[paasnaas]

I'm also a current berkeley student. I unfortunately did not apply to SUNY nor have I ever visited the campus so I can't offer any comparison about SUNY either! Anyhow, I will try to offer my advice. I think optoapp2012 made a lot of great points. I would definitely try contacting the admissions office at SUNY and see if they can put you in touch with any current students, especially if they have any that went to Cal for undergrad. They should definitely have a few! I think that will be very helpful. And try to address any of these questions you provided here to them. And maybe try to find someone that had similar academic stats as you and see how they are currently handling the curriculum. Ask to see what their class is like and how is the class bonding as a whole. The more students you can get in touch with the better because everyone has different opinions.

I honestly don't know anything about New York. I have only been their twice (vacation). But I think either direction you decide, you will a great education regardless. Both schools are very difficult to get into and there is a reason why. I have no doubt that you will receive a great education at SUNY. At the same time, I know you didn't really want to stay at berkeley because you went to undergrad but thats not a bad thing! I think we have about 13 people in my class that went to berkeley for undergrad. If you would like to ask them questions, I can put you in touch with them 🙂As far as finding jobs after graduation, I don't know the answer to that question…..(yet!). Thats a question I think a current 4th year student can answer better! I wish I had the answer to that. You should definitely try and come to admit day and hopefully more of your questions can get answered!