Engineering: Cal Poly SLO vs Boston Univeristy

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey so I need help deciding between Cal Poly, SLO and Boston University. I got in for Materials Engineering at Cal Poly SLO (but it's fairly easy to switch into other Engineering majors since I'm already in one, so assume in the comparison Im in some of their better ranked programs such as Aerospace or Electrical). I got in for Biomedical Engineering at Boston University.</p>

<p>Dilemma: (all rankings from US News)</p>

<p>Boston U for Biomed = Ranked 8th nationwide for undergrad</p>

<p>Cal Poly SLO Engineering Overall = 6th (but this is for universities whose highest program is a masters, so it doesn't take into account the big universities). I've been told it's about equal to UC San Diego and UCSD is ranked 17th under National Universities for Engineering for schools with a doctorate.</p>

<p>Money wise, there's a huge difference. Boston U comes out to be 45k a year while Cal Poly is merely 16k a year. However money is not an issue at all in my family and we could easily afford Boston University so try to stay impartial to the money factor.</p>

2

<p>I would give CalPoly the edge for engineering, in terms of reputation and industry connections. I hear it’s hurting a bit with the budget situation, but I still feel okay giving a recommendation.</p>

<p>The locations are quite different. Have you visited?</p>

<p>If you end up deciding to do biomed, that’s the exception to the rule. BU is very well-known in that area and is probably superior to CalPoly.</p>

3

<p>Location wise just adds more conflict</p>

<p>I love the sun = Cal Poly
I don’t like Conservative Hicks = Cal Poly
I like the beach = Cal Poly</p>

<p>I like Boston = Boston U
I don’t like cold weather = Boston U</p>

<p>I live in the Bay Area so Cal Poly being 3 hours south makes it really convenient when I want to visit home (not sure if my girlfriend and I are staying together when I leave for college yet).</p>

<p>I’m going to go on to graduate school no matter what, so in those aspects which do you think would get me the best admission chance at a top engineering school?</p>

4

<p>bump 10char</p>

5

<p>10char bump</p>