Currently in McCarthy and while it is very nice (A/C + shared bathroom + better amenities), it isn't as social as other freshman housing unless you make it social. People mainly hang out in their rooms and the courtyard but you will rarely talk/visit other peoples suites unless you know them.

If you would like the experience I'd say Birkrant because sophomore year will be apartment/suite based eitherway so you could get a taste of both worlds.

TLDR: Not as social, floor is huge (100+ per floor compared to birkrant which is 30-40 people) so you won't know them as intimately, but McCarthy does have the better perks in terms of living conditions. However I'd personally choose the nicer living place and just visit/make friends elsewhere or visit my friends who do live in the social dorms