<p>I was lucky enough to get into both cal poly slo and Berkeley for environmental engineering and I'm not sure which I will choose. What do you guys think is the better option? Money wise I should be able to handle the cost of either but Berkeley will naturally be a hit harder. What do you think?</p>
<p>Both schools have a great reputation in this field. The teaching methodology is very different. The culture and environment is very different. It comes down to these factors and other personal considerations that only you can decide for yourself. By the way, congratulations on a great job in HS. You are obviously cream of the crop.</p>
<p>Reputation and Name Recognition – Cal Poly is very well known and respected in industry. In state it is well known among the public. Out of state it is lesser known among the public. In general, UCB’s reputation and name recognition penetrates much farther than Cal Poly. UCB has industry recognition and global recognition as it is a World class research institution. You need to decide for yourself how important this is for you. Cal Poly grads are treasured in industry because they are “work ready” at graduation and consistently prove themselves again and again in the field. Cal Poly grads often earn the highest starting salaries in industry. Nevertheless, some folks love that UCB brand and it can take you far no doubt.</p>
<p>Teaching Methodology – Here is the biggest departure between the two schools. It is often the deciding factor between choosing a UC or Cal Poly. My son did not desire to go to UCB for many personal reasons. But, he did apply and was accepted to UCLA, UCSD and several other UC’s. He chose SLO specifically for this reason. At Cal Poly you will start in your major immediately out of the gate. Engineering classes begin in your first week of your freshman year. Club activities the same. Cal Poly is a “learn by doing, hands on” institution. This is part of the school’s DNA and it shows up in every class including English and humanities. UCB is a research institution and you will be required to develop yourself into a student scholar in many different areas and it is quite possible that you will not get your first engineering class for an extended period of time while you get your requirements out of the way. My son is a second quarter freshman and has already logged in hours and hours of lab time and at this moment is in Houston participating in the Shell Eco-Marathon with his club that built a supermileage prototype vehicle. Check it out as it was picked up by the BBC World News service: [BBC</a> News - Students’ vehicle aims for 3,000 miles to the gallon in US challenge](<a href=“http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17511399]BBC”>Students' vehicle aims for 3,000 miles to the gallon in US challenge - BBC News) </p>
<p>Again, only you can decide which is better for you. Some thrive in a research environment and enjoy the intellectual camaraderie at such institutions as UCB. That for many is college heaven. My kid has no use for it. He wants to be involved immediately. He wants to be in the lab, in the field and getting his hands dirty. My kid told me that he had his head stuck in books for the first 12 years of his education and he did not want more of the same, even if it was a very different elite level in college. Learn by doing was his hook and he has thrown himself into the program with abandon reaching out for every opportunity to get involved and still maintain sanity.</p>
<p>Culture and Environment – Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. UCB is in the Bay area. Cal Poly is politically neutral. UCB is a political hotbed of debate. Cal Poly is a small beautiful college town that is surrounded by natural beauty, hiking trails the ocean and mountains. It is a photographer’s paradise. UCB has San Francisco and all the amazing culture and diversity that comes with it. Cal Poly students are known to avoid intellectual elitism, reject an attitude of entitlement, and most jump at the chance to get involved, roll up the sleeves and work. In my opinion, and I am biased (don’t kill me folks), UCB does have a well-deserved Ivory Tower reputation. However, that can be an advantage at a research institution when everyone is challenging each other’s ideas and theories. UCB is a thought leader in many, many fields including yours. Some really thrive in this atmosphere. Only you can decide. Good luck!!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for this. It is very helpful and if I may ask what is your sons major?</p>
<p>My son is a mechanical engineering major. He got exactly what he wanted and to be honest for his major and yours Cal Poly is a very distinguished school. He could not see himself at another school due to its teaching methodology. Then again, my kid is very determined to be an engineer with industry experience prior to graduation. He will take advantage of the internship programs and co-ops that are encouraged during his term of study. He does not want to have to be dependent upon on the job training post graduation. He knows what he wants. Even as a freshman, he does not plan to change majors. He wants to build cool stuff right now. This is the Cal Poly difference.</p>