<p>Hello. This is my first post to the forum and I was hoping someone may have some input for me. My daughter is a senior this year and will be applying for colleges next month. She wants a major related to Environmental Science. We live in California and she would like to stay in the state for now. Her two top schools at this point are Cal Poly SLO & UC Irvine. Cal Poly being her first choice as far as feeling very comfortable, loving the area and feel of the school. I think personality wise it would be a great fit for her. Her grades and financial situation are not a factor between the UC or CSU choice. I feel that she would be able to get in to either school. Both schools offer Environmental related degrees. UCI offers the "environmental science" BA or BS. Cal Poly offers "Environmental Management and Protection" BS. At this point she thinks she would like to eventually work in some sort of "Global Sustainablity" field. I am assuming she may want to go to a graduate school, not for a PHD but probably a masters and want to keep that option open. The website for UCI is impressive where as the Cal Poly site does not have too much focus Enviromental science. If anyone has done the research between the two programs, or is involved in either one, I would really aprreciate some input.</p>
<p>Have you visited those two schools? They are SO different, in so many ways.<br>
Also, have you looked at Humboldt? They offer many degrees (6 or 7) in the environmental field.</p>
<p>Thanks for responding. Yes, we have been to both schools. We are going back to Cal Poly for a tour on Oct 12th. We have also been to UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, and UCI. UCI was her favorite. That was when we thought she needed to be in the UC system (only because thats what everyone seems to think). Then we we to Cal Poly. That changed everything. It was still close to the coast but more rural. San Luis Obispo was definately the place that fits her personality the best. UCI is still in second place and is beautiful. I appreciate you bringing up Humbolt. We have looked online and her AP ENV teacher went there. I have heard great things. Its certainly not off the table, but my daughter loves being outside and close to the coast in a warmer climate. She is a waterskier and would like to be on the ski team, loves to bike ride and walk. SLO seem like a safe place. I think Humbolt is a cooler environment so we had been focusing more on these two only for that reason. I was just trying to figure out if anyone might have been involved with the Environmental Management & Protection BS major at Cal Poly and regretted not going to the UC. And how does the Environmental Management & Protection BS compare to a Environmental Science BS (how are they different or the same?) Does it matter, end result, if she wants to go on to get a masters whether she went to Cal Poly or UCI?</p>
<p>Although my son is in a completely different major, Mechanical Engineering, I can comment on some differences between the two schools. My son was accepted to both schools and all the UC’s you mention above, but chose Cal Poly SLO. We also were set on the UC’s until we actually visited Cal Poly for the admitted student’s Open House in April of 2011. That event totally blew us away and changed my kid’s mind on the spot. Cal Poly went from close to the bottom of our list prior to stepping on campus to first within 2 hours of arriving at the Open House which is a 3 day event.</p>
<p>First, the academic approach will be significantly different. UCI will be more research focused and Cal Poly SLO will be more “hands on” and experiential. The “hands on, learn by doing” teaching methodology is part of the school’s DNA in every major and every class including GE’s like freshman English or Communications. My son was required to do street interviews for his English class and loved it. With regards to grad school afterwards, Both schools are respected and as long as she is competitive she will be able to go to any grad school she wants from either university. Cal Poly may even have a 4+1 program for her where she can graduate with both her bachelors and masters degree simultaneously. My son has that option in engineering. You should check it out. At CAl Poly she will be in a very natural environment and the school is also an agriculture school with lots of animals and crops on campus. The school even has a competitive rodeo team and hosts intercollegiate championship rodeos on campus. So cool.</p>
<p>SLO is a safe beautiful environment and the school is very supportive and has fulfilled on every promise that it made to us as parents and to my son as a student. It feels and reacts more like a private institution than a public school.</p>
<p>One caution though, it sounds as if you will be applying to two schools only. I apologize if I am assuming too much. Make sure that you apply to at least 8 other schools for a total of 10. Cal Poly is now very competitive and I’ve seen many students with perfect GPA’s and excellent test scores not get in as there were just too few spots for popular majors. Same for UCI. I know many kids who were “devastated” when they did not get into their top choices and ended up at a CC because they had no back up schools.</p>
<p>Osakadad, thank you so much for your information. Like you, we were so impressed with the campus when we visited. We were not able to get the feel of the campus with students because it was right after summer school was out and before fall semester students arrived. We are going back in a few weeks and really looking forward to seeing the active campus. Even without that active feeling my daughter and the rest of my family felt so very comfortable with the environment the school and surrounding area has to offer.</p>
<p>I appreciate your concern on the applications and we were definately planning on applying to several others as back up. I know Cal Poly is a very selective school, even more than many UC’s. She is considering applying to Cal Poly as a first choice option. This is why Im trying to get as much information as I can.</p>
<p>I have heard that Cal Poly is very much respected in the engineering world. I just haven’t been able to find that information on the environmental sciences side. I have also not found anything negative though. Sometimes I wonder if I am over analyzing the whole thing. I do know she is a very hard worker and applys herself well. Maybe thats more than half the battle of moving forward in life. I just want to make sure that if she decides to move on somewhere (possibly a UC) for a masters she wont be locked out by the UC system. (understanding grades and everything matter)</p>
<p>Also, thank you for the 4+1 information, I was not aware of that but will look into it.</p>
<p>I am glad that I could help. I must say that I am a bit surprised that you could not find too much on Cal Poly’s web site about the major or the students. I found faculty and student videos and quite a bit of information on the school’s web site. First of all there is an entire college dedicated to related majors called the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and if you look here [Majors</a> - Admissions - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo](<a href=“Cal Poly Admissions”>Cal Poly Admissions) you can find course flow charts and faculty and student videos as well as specific major web sites.</p>
<p>Additionally, within the college, there is the Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences Department. Here is a link to their web site [Natural</a> Resources Management & Environmental Sciences Department - Cal Poly](<a href=“http://nres.calpoly.edu/]Natural”>http://nres.calpoly.edu/) Here is some descriptive text from their site:</p>
<p>"The NRES Department offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Earth Sciences, Environmental Management & Protection, Forestry & Natural Resources, and Soil Science. Master of Science degrees in Forestry Sciences and Soil Science are also offered. We prepare students for careers in the protection and management of our forests and natural resources. </p>
<p>Accredited by the Society of American Forests since 1994, our programs enjoy a collaborative synergy between all our majors. Students can opt for a wide array of concentrations within each of the majors from climate change, environmental interpretation, planning, protection, fire and fuels management, forest practices, geology, hydrology and watershed management, policy, and soils. Students may also pursue an Individualized Course of Study.</p>
<p>An FSC certified 3800-acre school forest of mixed conifer and hardwood species, enhances our learn-by-doing philosophy to provide a quality education focusing on ecosystem management, critical thinking, problem solving, technical knowledge, human dimensions, and communication skills.</p>
<p>Our graduates are highly sought after, and find employment in a variety of venues including government agencies, private industry and environmental consulting."</p>
<p>It is my understanding that some of the majors are over 40 years old (pioneering the field of study) with thousands of alumni in all areas. It is accredited and very well known in industry. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that Cal poly seems to be one of the most respected universities in the country in Environmental Sciences with graduates working at every level in both the public and private sectors from faculty positions at major universities and even the West Point military academy to the Forest Service and corporate consulting careers. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find everything that you need.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your efforts. I was able to find a good potion of that information, but you definately found more than me. I spent a lot more time on it yesterday. She is my first one heading off to college and I just want to make sure she’s on the right path. I feel confident now that if she is accepted at Cal Poly she will have a great educational and personal experience. The school couldn’t be in a nicer environment, especially if that’s where your focus is. The way you describe the methods of teaching is a perfect fit. Applications go out in a few weeks…then we wait. Thanks again. Best of luck to your son and if all works out they may cross paths at Cal Poly someday.</p>
<p>If you are planning to go to Cal Poly in the next few weeks go to the Parent and Family Weekend. It is open to anybody as far as I know and if not, I am sure that they will make an exception for a prospective student. It is a really cool event with a feel similar to the Open House for admitted students. Although the Open House will be focused 100% on the kids. Nevertheless, if you want to experience school spirit and culture this might be your weekend. [Parents</a> Weekend - CP Parent - Cal Poly](<a href=“http://www.parent.calpoly.edu/parents_weekend.html]Parents”>http://www.parent.calpoly.edu/parents_weekend.html)</p>
<p>Our favorite events last year were the tours of various majors, the musical ensemble, wine tasting (Cal Poly has its own vineyards and wine), many folks like the football game. My personal favorite? Here it is:</p>
<p>Parents’ Weekend Ensemble Showcase Concert
Cal Poly Music Department
8 p.m.
Cost: Adults - $12 | Seniors 65 and students $9
The annual debut performance of Cal Poly’s major ensembles – the Cal Poly Symphony, the Arab Music Ensemble, Cal Poly Choirs, the University Jazz Band and the Wind Ensemble</p>
<p>That could not be more perfect timing! Thats the Friday we were going anyway because the school of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is having a tour that she was invited to. Open house/parents weekend may even be the reason they are having the tour. Im glad it will be very active but I guess I better get busy making hotel reservations. It sounds like it will really draw a crowd. All the events sound like so much fun. Enjoy yourself and thanks again for all your help and information.</p>