Chem E: University of Washington vs UC Berkeley

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I want to major in chemical engineering.</p>

<p>I am from the Seattle area and until last week when I was admitted to UC Berkeley I planned on attending the University of Washington. I am pre-engineering there and the College of Engineering at UW is very good. I also think that I would have a good chance at finding internships considering all the companies (like Boeing) that are based in Seattle. In addition, I love the campus, many of my friends are going there, and I like the idea of being a 20 minute drive from home.</p>

<p>I found out last week that I got into UC Berkeley, which was a big deal because I didn't think I would get in. I visited the school briefly last summer (meaning I walked around it for an hour) and I didn't like the way it looked very much. I didn't talk to anyone or do anything special. I wasn't very interested in the school, but decided to apply anyway.
I got in, but I got into the College of Letters and Science, not the College of Chemistry. I have no idea how difficult it would be to get into the College of Chemistry and whether Berkeley will help me get a better job in the end. It will also cost a lot more money because of out-of-state tuition. I am also scared to go so far away from home.</p>

<p>I am leaning towards the University of Washington because I have imagined going there for a long time, but am I stupid for turning down the chance to go to the amazing school Berkeley?</p>

2

<p>I forgot to mention, I do not plan on going to grad school.</p>

3

<p>Go with the money; chemEs make about the same money whether you come out of Berkeley or Washington. The difference is that the school name can increase your chance of landing those job offers but even in this case, the difference isn’t significant as UDubb is a pretty decent school. Many engineering firms recruit locally and regionally so if you like to get jobs near home after graduation, UDubb becomes a no-brainer when cost is considered.</p>

4

<p>UCB if money isn’t an issue.</p>

<p>Help me with my decision.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1484371-university-should-i-attend.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1484371-university-should-i-attend.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Transferring into the CoC’s chemical engineering program is quite difficult from L&S.</p>

6

<p>Looks like getting into the chemical engineering major is competitive admission at both schools (unless you are directly admitted to the major as a frosh, which it seems that you are not at either school).</p>

<p>It does not seem like Berkeley is worth the price premium over in-state Washington under these circumstances, especially if debt is involved. What is your alternate major plan if you are not admitted to the chemical engineering major?</p>

7

<p>What were your stats? Im from Seattle as well, 10mins from U of W. I am also a ChemE major. I did not however get into Berkeley, but I am appealing. I did get into UCSD though as ChemE.</p>