I am currently attending a community college and have been admited to both SJSU and CP SLO for their undergraduate electrical engineering program for the Fall of 2016. I’ve done some research and talked to a couple of friends but still can not make up up my mind on which school to attend. I know cal poly is clearly the more reputable school and has a better program, but my argument is that SJSU is in silicon valley. Does that even matter? Or not?
Another thing that plays an important role in this decision is that I will be taking my wife and 2 kids with me when I transfer. I know that San Jose is a bigger city, which means there is more to do with the family and it is more diverse (racially, culturally, etc.) than Cal Poly. On the other hand, despite cal poly’s lack of diversity, I haven’t heard anyone complain about racial issues or anything of that sort. Also Cal Poly might not be in a huge city but its close to the beach, I could take the kids on hikes, and downtown SLO is also amazing.
Overall, throughtout my research of these two schools I’ve found pros and cons of both schools but still can not make up my mind or feel comfortable towards one choice over the other. I would like to see someone else’s take on this choice and why he/she would choose one over the other.
CalPoly SLO engineering is as you know very well regarded so not being located in SV makes no difference, many graduates get jobs wherever they want. SJSU does have the advantage of SV so good opportunities available for its graduates but I believe SLO better school.
SLO great place for kids. Safe and beautiful area with very health lifestyle; good weather, clean air and lots of outside activities. You won’t want to leave after you graduate is the only problem.
Lack of diversity at Cal poly isn’t so much a problem as it is not a bonus. As a minority at Cal Poly, I’ve always felt welcomed by all parts of the city. Not to mention as someone who just received an offer from Apple, we definitely feel the love from Silicon Valley as well. Whether it’s Apple/Google’s weeklong “networking sessions” or recruitment days from other major companies, there’s a heavy presence of The tech companies here as well.
@SupermanJr …Hi! I think the biggest issue for a married student coming to Cal Poly SLO would be the small job market for the spouse. If your wife will be looking for a job, it could be difficult to find one nearby. Most jobs around SLO are minimum wage and taken by the large student population. The cost of living in San Jose is may be higher, but jobs are definitely more plentiful.
My husband teaches at Cal Poly and I assure you that recruiters from throughout the state come here, including Silicon Valley. The engineering department at Cal Poly is well known for its excellence. The two areas are so different it comes down to what you value. Bay area with more job opportunities for your wife, diversity, different types of educational opportunities for the kids (not one SLO county school participates in the CA Science Fair); or less traffic, small town atmosphere, less crime, and so on.