I am trying to choose between Berkeley, UCLA, and Northeastern for mechanical engineering. With financial aid, they all will cost about the same. I have visited all of the campuses and like them all a lot. I know Berkeley is ranked highest, but I am a bit worried about the stress and competitiveness. I really like the co op and study abroad options at Northeastern and the smaller size, but I’m afraid the quality of education is not up to par with Berkeley and UCLA. Any suggestions? Thanks! May 1st is approaching too quickly for me right now.
I know you already know this, but it is important to hear it from someone else: the quality of your training and job prospects post college will likely be best at Berkeley. If it were me, I would choose the rigorous school because I enjoy challenges presented by it, the future it offers, and the teaching quality I will receive.
The question is, what are you looking for? What are your interests? What are you like? These are important questions to consider when matching yourself to an area and student body. Congratulations on your acceptances at such amazing schools!
***Disclaimers: I am not interested in or educated about engineering and engineering education, but this would be my generic college advice
Thanks! I really like the atmosphere of the campus at Berkeley and all the people I have met there seem passionate and intelligent. I have also heard from people who go there that Mech e can be cut throat and that the students have to spend all of their time studying. I want to be challenged but I also want to have time to join extracurriculars
Also I wonder how competitive it is to find research and internship opportunities. I know the proximity to silicon valley makes Berkeley great for mech e applications but how hard is it to actually to get chosen for the work.
They are both amazing schools, but I would personally choose UCLA for an undergrad degree. I realize Berkley is more prestigious, but I think UCLA provides an overall way better college experience. That’s just me though!
Are you comparing the NET out of pocket costs of these 3 Us–total price minus only scholarships and grants? If you’re in state for CA, I’d be surprised if all 3 schools are the same net price out of pocket, unless you got a hefty merit award from Northwestern.
Yes, I did mean out of pocket and I did get a merit award from Northeastern. It is still slightly more overall but not significantly enough to be the deciding factor
@Mevans6, I am wondering what makes UCLA a better undergrad experience. I have heard that before from other people. Does it come from student body, the location, the curriculum, or something else? Thanks for your feedback
Number one cafeteria in the country, amazing housing, way better college sports, better community, better location and school pride. For an UNDERGRAD degree I would take these qualities over Berkeley. I don’t know what ranking UCLA is for your degree, but I’m sure it’s high up there. UCLA is just the ‘total’ package in my opinion. You can always transfer into a graduate program after your 4 year if you wanted to. For me it’s a no-brainer, I guess it just really depends on what you’re looking for.
