Carnegie Mellon vs UC Berkeley in Chemical Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted to these two for chemical engineering but I really can't decide! They're both great schools but different in so many ways: weather, size, athletics. </p>

<p>I would really appreciate it if you guys could give me some thoughts, especially students currently attending these schools/these majors.</p>

2

<p>this is something for the superman of ChE posters to discuss: Mr. UCBChE</p>

3

<p>I’m not currently attending, but a Berkeley ChemE grad, nonetheless.</p>

<p>You’re right, the schools are quite different. I feel Berkeley would provide a great experience for someone majoring in chemical engineering. First of all, you get the resources of the smaller, world renowned College of Chemistry…a unique experience in a larger research university setting. The college is small enough for advising to be more personal and effective and undergrad research is accessible in one of the top chemical engineering programs in the country. Second, you have all the variety of top-rated academic programs, Pac-12 college sports, and the lively college city atmosphere. Public transportation is excellent and diversions/attractions in and around the San Francisco Bay Area are readily accessible without a car.</p>

<p>The ChemE program was challenging, however, I had plenty of extra time to enjoy the big, vibrant college atmosphere.</p>

<p>But that’s enough public service announcement…let’s get down to some specifics:

  1. What kind of college atmosphere do you prefer?
  2. What are the out-of-pocket cost differences and can you comfortably afford it without taking out huge student loans?</p>

<p>EDIT: From a review of your posts, I see that you are from Hong Kong…and that you like swimming. FYI: Cal mens and womens swimming just won the NCAA national championships this year. Go Bears!</p>

4

<p>My main concern about Berkeley is that it is too big (30k students) and I’m worried that there will not be enough professor-student interaction a sense of a close-knit community. I prefer California for the city, the weather, and you’re right about the swimming but I’m worried about the magnitude of the school - and due to the lack of professor support, I heard that the drop out rate is very high?</p>

5

<p>^ As I said, chemical engineering is in the smaller College of Chemistry. It’s the smallest college on campus and allows for more closer professor interaction.</p>