First Macbook, need input.

I would suggest the 15 inch because of the quad core vs the dual core processor. Plus, you never know you may need the extra speed to process your programs.

 

+1 on the 15 inch MBP. I have had one for almost 3 years now. I also have a 13 inch MacBook Air and the Pro is the one with the power for programming.

 

Remember weight...

I previously had a MBP 13" and a monitor, which was great.

In college, I lugged around a 12" iBook, 17" Powerbook, 15" Powerbook and 12" Powerbook (not all at once, and my job with Apple helped tremendously in buying those last three).

I found that the 17" was totally unnecessary.

The 15" felt like overkill, but it was cool to be able to play games on it.

The 12" was my favorite, but the most intensive programs I run are the iLife apps.

If you wear a backpack, the 15" won't be too much, but with a saddlebag, it's gets heavy quick (plus textbooks).

If you're worried, get the 15" with extra ram (8 is likely enough for now, 16 will come down in price way before your computer feels outdated).

 

If you play games 15 for sure, it is wayy worth it, and i think you should wait, in a month i assume 13" retina will come out.

 

i dont think u will need 15 inch unless u r handling really really big database or playing games or doing 3D graphics/modelling/rendering.
13inch macbook pro has more than enough power to handle undergrad stuffs imo.
if u were doing mechanical engineering, i would have suggested 15inch MBP.

for ur school work, 13 inch MBP or if u want light, air.

max out the ram (8 GB...must, 16 GB...if possible) and choose ssd size wisely.
good luck

 

applestore is better IMO, easier to deal with.

u need that to buy apps and maybe future upgrades, at least, office suit unless u r using free ones.

if its 8 GB u r after, you may not save much (havent checked the prices in crucial lately). ssd installation, not sure whether it breaches warranty. please check it with the nearest apple store/web.

and btw: i thought 15inch retina has a soldered ram?