I’ve purposefully skirted around publishing my reasons. In large part, that’s because everyone who’s wanted to know why I decided the way I did has been in contact with me directly.

The factors you listed were among the most important for me. Two years will let me do more, learn more, try new things, etc. Ten months at Columbia doesn’t quite afford the same possibilities, though some of the deans would disagree. The subtitle to this blog is “highly focused on about a million different things.” That’s not an accident. I think at Columbia, you are better served if you are a little more focused than that.

I believe the faculty is outstanding at Berkeley, no matter which form of media you wish to concentrate in. I’m most interested in long-form writing, photography, and multimedia projects. If you read books, magazines, or newspapers, you’re going to come across mention of or work by several faculty. Of course, Columbia’s media is outstanding, as well.

I’ve poked around your blog, and I’m still curious as to why you chose Berkeley. You mention all those you consulted with and write, “It is, right now, the better school for me. I’m confident in that decision.” But why?

Curriculum? 1 vs. 2 years? Faculty? Campus?

What was your tipping point?

I was just faced with the same choice, and made the same decision.

Nice photos too, and I’ll look forward to meeting you in August.

David