<p>Ok so I've made other threads, but I haven't gotten what I wanted out of them so let's try this again. I'm a PA resident currently considering Clemson and Cal Poly SLO for mechanical engineering, and I'm really torn between the two. The total annual cost at Clemson is $30,000, and $33,000 at Cal Poly considering all fees, scholarships etc. Although both schools are a considerable distance from home, it is obviously much more strenuous/costly to travel to California versus South Carolina. In addition, I could drive to Clemson if I choose to do so, which is a definite plus because I love having a car, and I would get a new one before leaving high school if that was the case. In the future I'd like to try to work in the automotive industry so Clemson's CU-ICAR program, and their connections to BMW and Michelin would be beneficial. On the other hand I've heard Cal Poly has some relation or has placed people with Tesla before. Another factor to consider is that I'm a really active person and I love warm weather. I'm into soccer, long boarding, running, skimboarding/surfing and all that jazz so Cal Poly has the slight advantage there, despite Clemson's temperate climate and Lake Hartwell. One big advantage for Clemson however is that they have their own golf course, which is also one of my favorite things to do. On the academic side of things I've heard that Cal Poly tends to have a more hands on approach in their program so that is a definite plus, although I've also heard great things about Clemson's professors too. The only thing really holding me back from Clemson is that the location is kind of in the middle of nowhere, and I've heard that it is pretty conservatively minded (I AM NOT). My reservations about Cal Poly is the distance and the fact that I would only be able to come home a few times a year. Both schools have their respective advantages and disadvantages, so It's be good to hear someone else weigh in on my situation. Thanks. </p>
<p>My son is in the ME program at Cal Poly, one more year! As far as weather goes, SLO is in central California and it is phenomenal. May get cool in the winter but not cold. May get a little warm late spring but not hot. You will probably never need a heavy coat. Don’t know anything about golf, tennis is my game… keep in mind that SLO is in central California (BTW do not ever use the term “Cali”) - Los Angeles and San Francisco are 3 to 3-1/2 hours by car w/o traffic. The area is absolutely beautiful, I would move there in a heartbeat if circumstances warranted it. The one BIG thing you need to consider is that there is no airport near SLO - yes there is a small one but it will cost an arm and a leg to fly anywhere from it. You can always drive to LAX, probably 3-1/2 hours and park, but if you want a close by convenient airport, SLO is not it. The ME program is hands on and comprehensive. They encourage general, aerospace or HVAC. Good luck!</p>
<p>As far as having a car goes, you could check out on FB who else from your area is going, and make an adventure of it, driving cross country, guidebook in hand, as a sort of an All-American Adventure. You could keep your car on campus and fly back. (Check if having a car is allowed for freshmen though).
You’re right, both are well-located for your interests and both are academically strong so personal considerations will be paramount.
Yes Clemson is very conservative (it’s one of the most conservative schools in the country, although it’s clearly beat by BYU and TAMU), so it depends on how “not” you are, if it would make you uncomfortable and isolated, or challenged and energized.
Have you attended an overnight for admitted students? If not, you should try to go, and trust your instincts since costs, location, and quality are not in play.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your replies, it’s still really a question of expense/distance of travel to Cal Poly, and conservatism/isolation of Clemson. At the moment I think Cal Poly suits my personality better, but I know that I can make either school work for me, and I’m just not sure that I can justify going all the way to California. Fortunately, I’m driving down to visit Clemson for the second time at the end of this week, and I should be visiting Cal Poly two weeks later. Of course all of this kind of goes out the window if I decide to start considering University of Delaware (Honors), Penn State (In State), or Lehigh/Rice (If I’m Admitted) again…</p>