I narrowed down my options for next year to these 4 programs I was admitted to (Chemical Engineering at UCSB, UCSD, Michigan & Biomedical Engineering at CP SLO). I was rejected at the only two schools I really wanted to go to (UCLA & UCB) so am really unsure of which of these 4 to choose. I’m from California so I’m leaning towards staying in-state, but I know how prestigious engineering is at UMich. I also want to have some sort of social life, which dispels me from UCSD.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be really appreciated.
Thanks!!
Go to one of the California public schools you were admitted to. OOS costs are very high for Michigan and you have excellent choices in your state for engineering.
I hear wonderful things about the UCSD program, but if social life is very important to you, you might want to talk to students who are currently attending. I do keep in contact with UCSD juniors who say that there can be a great social life for those who want it, especially with the location of the campus.
See here about job opportunity for biomedical engineering:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18193777/#Comment_18193777
I personally think Cal Poly SLO would be your best choice for what it seems like you want. I’m actually going to go there next fall so maybe we can exchange personal info or something!
Take UCSB and do not look back! Great ChemE program and great campus life at half the cost. Of course, if Michigan gives you a sizeable FA package or scholarship, or if your parents are very wealthy and can easily afford the added cost of attendance, Michigan could be worth it. Otherwise, I would go for UCSB.
People underestimate Cal Poly just because it’s a cal state. My peers all regard it as one of the best colleges for engineering because of their “learn by doing” motto. It makes the learning more fun too. You also have to think about the fact that you probably will have to go to graduate school which is a lot of money so CP also helps you in that area. Congrats on all of your acceptances and you have a tough but fortunate choice on your hands.
Could you enlighten how “learn by doing” is done at Cal Poly?
@coolweather yes @CHSparent thank you for the comment & could you elaborate more on the “learn by doing” motto
Can you visit Cal Poly this month? They give a thorough engineering tour on certain days that would give you an excellent feel for the program and an opportunity to talk to current students. Cal Poly has a great social life and college town. However there are very few graduate students, giving it a different vibe than the UC’s. The learn by doing means emphasis on practical and rolling up your sleeves rather than theoretical. Many opportunities to take a quarter off and work for a company before graduation.
I would pick a Cali school because you have great choices.
“The learn by doing means emphasis on practical and rolling up your sleeves rather than theoritical.”
That’s easier talked than done.
As the comment above said, it means more hands on work with what you’re studying rather than just theoretical work. I forgot to mention. Since it’s not a big research university, the university is more focused on the undergraduate programs. So you will get more professors whose primary job is to teach, not research, which is great for undergrad students
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I agree with @Alexandre. Go with UCSB. In the ChemE world, UMinn and UCB have been powerhouses for years. In today’s world, UCSB is the up and comer and well recognized by academics and industry alike.
Obvious choice here, SLO!!
Thanks @ArsenalFan69
The funny thing is the OP is likely stressed about which school to choose, and yet school choice is the least important factor here! Any of these schools can do a fine job in preparing its undergrads for jobs in engineering.
Just about all of the difference in outcomes can be explained by student characteristics. Did they work hard to get good grades? 1/2 to 2/3rds of all engineering students end up changing majors, and one big factor is the heavy workload. Did they take part in student-run activities? Looks good to employers, and also gives a leg up in landing internships. Internships are a key way to stand out when you graduate and look for work. If you’re thinking of grad school then you’ll need to take part in research and get to know some profs for good recs.
You could pick one of these at random and it wouldn’t matter compared to what you do in college.
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