Decisions: UCLA or CMU?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>I'm just a regular guy from Malaysia who's having an uneasy (read:very tough) time deciding between these two colleges. I got admitted to both, and with the deadline approaching, my head is swirling from the pressure. Can you guys help me figure this out? I'm doing mechanical engineering as my major.</p>

<h1>1) How does the student life compare in UCLA and CMU? This won't be the all in all decider, but it would be nice to know which is better. Yes, i do prefer the Cal weather, but I don't want the skies to determine my future!</h1>

<h1>2) How are the future job prospects for these unis? Carnegie ranks 6th in the world in engineering (behind the uber engineering unis) so i assume prospects are good. Does UCLA compare, with its lowish (relative) rating? This is very important to me, as the unis are very expensive and i need to be able to pay back the loans ASAP.</h1>

<h1>3) Which uni has the better programmes for its students?</h1>

<h1>4) Which uni gives me better chances of transferring or gaining admission in the aforementioned uber-unis? (Caltech, Berkeley, MIT etc) for my graduate degree? It would be nice to know this, personally, as I have not given up on them.</h1>

<p>This list may seem daunting to answer, but if anyone, preferably alumni, can answer ANY aspect of this list, it will be greatly, greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>I am familiar with both places.
1a# UCLA is better weather wise than cmu. But you already have your priorities clear.
1b# Social life wise they are both comparable. It depends on what specifically you are looking for.
2# Job prospects: they are both comparable when the economy is good. In bad economy (as in now), CMU’s higher rankings definitely help it. UCLA in engg is just like another UC. The only UC that clearly separates itself from other UCs in engg prestige is Cal. Thus UCLA graduates will suffer equally. UCLA engg rank is pretty low and has slipped in the most recent year. In fact, UCSD engg for undergrad is higher than UCLA (usnews 2009).
3#CMU will easily win over UCLA in so far as prospects for grad work in top univ is concerned (e.g., not just any univ but super top). That is, because CMU is academically closer to them. </p>

<p>If I am international, I will go to CMU. If I am instate California (with much lower tuition for UCLA), I will weigh in both depending upon the major, possibly go to UCLA. If I am out of state, I will go to CMU (private education gives better value for the same dollars at public). </p>

<p>Hope that helps.</p>