Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering vs University of Washington Direct Admit Engineering Class of 2022

Accepted at both! Could you compare - in terms of best program, career opportunities? Campus life is very different- any thoughts on pro’s and cons of each? CP is more $$ (since WA in state) but not a deal breaker. Thanks so much!!

https://www.engr.washington.edu/admission/directtocollege/faq says that, with Washington Direct to College of Engineering admission, you need a 2.5 college GPA to apply to an engineering major. However, placement to a specific engineering major is not assured, since some majors may have more applicants than spaces. Since you will be in the first class entering under this system, there is no historical information (historical information is under the old free-for-all system which was highly competitive).

If you may change to a different engineering major at CPSLO, see https://eadvise.calpoly.edu/majors/changing-majors-within-ceng/ .

Thanks @ucbalumnus. Looks like you have more control over your destiny (i.e., major choice) at Cal Poly. UW says it moved to direct admit this year to offer more “transparency” and an assurance that you would be offered some kind of engineering major- but, again, no guarantee to incoming freshmen admits that it would be mechanical engineering, for example, especially since it’s such a competitive major. Kind of tired of always jockeying for a spot- wonder if it affects the collaborative culture (or lack thereof) at UW, since you’re still competing against your peers for a spot in a particular major, even though you’re an engineering direct admit. Seems to undermine the idea of collaboration, which is so highly prized and touted by other top engineering programs. Will also need to compare the freshman course schedules of each. Have heard that Cal Poly has incredible labs. And CP is obviously more undergrad focused.

Cal poly over admitted last year so the school housing and classes are feeling that impact this year. If paying for OOS it may take you more time and it is very hard to switch within the major.Smaller school=less options. My son applied to both schools for mechanical as well and was accepted to cal poly for ME, but placed in arts and science for UW. He loved the UW campus but if he can’t get into the school of engineering what’s the point. They should just be upfront and reject. He’d pick UW hands down! Good luck !