Choosing UCSD over Berkeley for Mech Eng = Shooting self in foot?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
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<p>Hi, got accepted to Berkeley and UCSD for mechanical engineering.
Now, I have cousins,a sister, and many friends who go to Berkeley and I didn't really like the city or location or the student body when I visited there countless of times.</p>

<p>So I am thinking of choosing UCSD over Berkeley as I really like San Diego/ La Jolla.</p>

<p>But I think it is a fact that Berkeley has a stronger program in engineering, but by how much? Berkeley is always in the US News Top 10 lists for engineering, while UCSD is not.</p>

<p>My question is that am I sacrificing too much of an opportunity/education by turning down Berkeley? Will I be put at a 'disadvantage' compared to Berkeley students when I graduate from UCSD and look for a job?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>The name of a school alone isn’t going to impress employers if you’re going to be unhappy there and let that affect your academic performance. While I don’t pretend to know the exact comparisons of UCSD vs UCB, I know that we have an excellent engineering department, the heads of structural and BE are world-renowned in their fields, and there are research opportunities galore in SD. </p>

<p>Go where you’ll be happy. You only have one shot at college, so why not make it a good one?</p>