The #2 Public University

As I sat in the stands at California Memorial Stadium and listened to testimonials on the BIG SCREEN, I heard "#1 Public Institution." No way!, I thought, my school is the #1 public institution!

Neither is true, UNC Chapel Hill was the #1 public institution last year. Michigan was 16th and Berkeley was 18th. It was weird looking at the rankings because they take so many different factors. The majority of the top 10 are smaller state schools with cheaper admissions prices. In the case of Michigan and/or Berkeley, they get points taken away because they accept a higher percentage of out-of-state students. They also lose points for having a higher student population or the amount of aid available.

Now, in my opinion, which is extremely important...schools like Michigan and Berkeley offer so much more than a top tier education. They offer an experience. They offer academic, athletic, communal and social experiences like none other. I am obviously biased based on my affiliation but Berkeley came in close 2nd. That school and that town are insane, but unique and cultural. It was awesome. If my kids don't go to Michigan, I'll let them go to Berkeley.