<p>I'm going to be in California over the Winter Break for about 2 weeks. I'll be spending a few days in the Bay Area, then most of the time in LA. I was wondering what schools down there would be good to visit. I'm interested in studying engineering, specifically computer engineering, so I'd like to see schools with good programs in that subject. I only have a 2-3 days in San Fran, and I'm probably going to just visit Stanford and Berkeley, but I'd like to know about schools in the LA area, and also between San Fran and LA, since we'll be driving down there.</p>
<p>CalTech is in Pasadena outside of LA. USC and UCLA are in LA. Those are the obvious big names.</p>
<p>Is Claremont near there? If it is i suggest Harvey Mudd.</p>
<p>In between LA and SF is Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Santa Barbara. Both have computer engineering programs that would not be of the Stanford/Berkeley/Cal Tech caliber, but are still good programs. In the LA area there is obviously UCLA, USC, Cal Tech and Harvey Mudd. Also UC Irvine, and farther south, UC San Diego.</p>
<p>Not yet mentioned, but definitely worth a stop for engineering: Santa Clara U.</p>
<p>For the UC's, keep in mind that (1) admissions for out of state students is intense and (2) financial aid for out of state students is not always the best, and you'll be paying about the price of a good private for a public school experience. While UCLA and UCB might be worth out of state prices, you might want to think carefully about whether the other UC's and Cal States are worth a stop.</p>
<p>My intinerary, if I were you, would be: UCBerkeley, Stanford, Santa Clara (all are pretty close to each other), then Harvey Mudd, Cal Tech, and UCLA down south, then home. That will give you a nice mix of big publics, mid-sized privates, and small specialty schools. Very do-able in a week if you time it right. If you want to take the coastal route, you could easily do a quick stop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo -- very good engineering program, less expensive out of state than one of the UC's.</p>
<p>One other thing you should know: Most of the UC's are on a quarter system, and thus may not be in session over your winter break (if it is in the next few weeks). Double check before making your travel plans.</p>
<p>Don't forget USC!</p>
<p>I agree with previous posters: Stanford, UCB, Santa Clara, Cal Poly-SLO, CalTech, Harvey Mudd, UCLA, USC.</p>
<p>UCSD?</p>
<p>10 char</p>
<p>Stanford, CalTech, USC, Cal, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, UCD, Harvey Mudd</p>