<p>I'm planing on majoring in mechanical engineering, and I wonder how different employees look at mechanical engineers from the schools. Do Cal Poly students have a better chance at getting an interview because of the school's ranking? Or are they ranked the same when employees review the resume?</p>
<p>With some chance, I might be able to get into Cal Poly (I just need to raise my SAT scores a bit), but I'm worried about the money. However, if the difference between engineers from the schools are nuanced, I rather stay close to home and save a bit of money, so that's why I purpose this question.</p>
<p>Also I have another question about commuting. If I were to go to Pomona, will it be worth it to commute (to possibly save some money) based on these conditions:</p>
<p>30 minute drive (round trip is about an hour)
25 miles (round trip is about 50 miles)</p>
<p>I know that freshmen are required to live on campus, but will this be worth it for the remaining years of college?</p>
<p>My husband works for a heavy civil company which hires many engineers from both Cal Polys. His company prefers Cal Poly students because they have the “hands-on” background which makes them much more marketable and ready to work versus students coming out of many of the UC’s which his company finds lacking in real work experience. You would have great opportunities from either school.</p>
<p>Regarding commuting versus living on-campus. Many studies point to the benefits of living on-campus for at least the first year. Yes, commuting would a decent cost savings but since you plan to pursue an engineering degree, I would think your time would be best spent on studying than commuting. After the first year, living off campus would be lower in cost since you could share an apartment with several roommates and you would not be required to pay for a meal plan. LA traffic to me is horrible and I only work 11 miles away from home. My commute can take anywhere from 25-45 minutes each way. Have you checked into using the MetroLink to Pomona or Covina station and seeing if there is a shuttle to the Pomona campus???
I know several students which take the MetroLink to CSULA daily to avoid the traffic.</p>
<p>Ah @Gumbymom , I meat you again haha. Seriously, I appreciate your help. If they offer great opportunities either way, I might as well go to Pomona. Oh the metrolink! Great idea; I’ll have to check that out. Thanks again</p>
<p>@TheIntegration: You can say I am a little biased since I am a graduate from Cal Poly Pomona (went there back in the dark ages) but I am impressed with the young engineers my husband works with from Cal Poly. They have been so knowledgable and confident with their work skills. Definitely assets to his company.</p>
<p>Yes, rail commutes tends to be more predictable time-wise than driving or buses that encounter unpredictable traffic delays. But rail systems do occasionally have commute delays, so be careful about cutting it too close on exam days.</p>
<p>I exercised with a woman who does the hiring for Jacobs Engineering and she said her company hires mostly engineers from Cal Polys. Now I’m not sure which engineering but I think the two Cal Polys are pretty strong in Civil Engineering.
Jacobs Engineering seems to hire Mechanical engineers, Structure engineers, etc…</p>
<p>Between the two Cal Polys, there is little difference in preference. Both are amazing schools for mech E. You shouldn’t have a problem getting a job from either. As for the 25 mile difference, you might live close enough to commute. I don’t know what the mileage limits, but if you live close enough you may not have to dorm. </p>
<p>You sound close enough to commute. My parents used to rent a room to a Cal Poly student 20 min drive along the 10 was no problem. So depends on where you come from and avoiding rush hour but the 10 around there isn’t that bad. Metrorail + bus would not be worth the time and money. The rail is not close enough and busses are not frequent enough and you’d not have flex time to change plans. But you can figure that out. </p>
<p>Tour both schools and choose the one that fits you best. My kid was accepted to both Cal Poly SLO and Pomona and chose SLO for Mech E. Loves it! They are sister schools and as such close in format.</p>