<p>My friend got into both schools and don’t which to go to. I told her how amazing the Cal Poly program is for those specific engineering types, but she still doesn’t know. Anybody have any thoughts as to what she should choose and why? She’s also worried about the kinds of activities Cal Poly has to offer. Any Cal Poly students have thoughts on that?</p>
<p>She should tour both schools, and in particular, the engineering departments. It is worth the time and money to visit. For my son, it would be a no brainer betweeen those two schools–Cal Poly all the way!</p>
<p>What is it about SLO for your son that made him wantto go?</p>
<p>I would highly recommend Cal Poly if you want to study like their motto, “to learn by doing.” I am currently a student at UCD majoring in EE, and also been accepted to UCSD before. I have compared between UC classes and Cal Poly’s classes. There’s nothing hands-on about UC teachings, and it’s all bout theoretical teachings. Cal Poly on the other hand, has lab requirements for almost every class that they offer and required for graduation. </p>
<p>For that reason, I applied and been accepted to Cal Poly for fall 2010 for EE.</p>
<p>Open House is in two weeks, you should definitely go take a look if you can.</p>
<p>To answer your question, my son has been influenced by Cal Poly SLO’s reputation, and in particular, with potential employers. Also, UCSD seems boring to him.</p>
<p>My son and I visited UCSD last summer. It was very big and seemed like a very stressful atmosphere (and it was summer!) We thought the campus was very gray and cold looking. I know that it is an excellent school and students who go there are very smart and focused. In some majors it can be very competitive and just not the feel of CPSLO. It is a UC and a big school, so there are liekly to be a lot more clubs and things to do in San Diego. </p>
<p>My son and our family just felt that CP was a smaller, more friendly school, but also very focused on teaching. Engineering is well thought of there and the connections to the workforce are great. We think he will be helped to become the best he can be at CP. We loved the campus, people and the town. He got into several UCs, but he still chose CPSLO for engineering! We also like all of the fun activities that are planned for students. It is also closer to our home in the Bay Area.</p>
<p>Good luck! Both schools are excellent…but for my son, CP is the best choice!</p>
<p>Both of the schools are excellent for EE and ME. You really can’t go wrong by picking one or the other. The choice really comes down to what kind of school environment you enjoy.
Another point- UCSD may be a better school to go to if you want to work outside of CA. UCSD is more well known than Cal Poly outside of CA.
Calpoly may be better inside the state of CA. Employers familiar with the school love how students come out ready/experienced to work.</p>
<p>Just an out of state opinion…I think Cal Poly is more recognized out of state than UCSD. I sense CA residents don’t appreciate the level of recognition Cal Poly has outside the state.</p>