<p>Hey everyone, i just got into UC Davis and Cal Poly Pomona a month ago. I am going to major in civil engineering but I don’t know which school to attend. I know that Cal Poly Pomona has the hands-on learning, which is better for me… UC Davis has the theoretical method and I really want to go to grad school too… Money isn’t a factor since i’ll probably pay the same amount for those two universities.</p>
<p>Would you guys mind, helping me choose?</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>
<p>^First of all, congrats on getting into both schools! That’s awesome. </p>
<p>I would consider a couple of things. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Cost. If this is a factor for you, then it puts CPP ahead, since it is obviously less expensive. </p></li>
<li><p>Location. I’ve never been to Davis, but it undoubtedly has a prettier location/campus than CPP. Which campus is closer to home? (this could be a pro or con depending on how far away you want to get…ha ha)</p></li>
<li><p>Hands On/Theory. I’ve heard this but I’m not sure how accurate it is. CPP definitely touts it’s hands on approach which I think is great, but obviously the UC’s have great engineering programs also. Do you prefer hands on or theory? </p></li>
<li><p>Size of school. Do you prefer a smaller school or a larger one? I think CPP seems less intimidating, but they also lack some of the resources and ammenties that a larger campus will have.</p></li>
<li><p>Graduate School. Again, I’m not sure how true this is, but I’ve heard that if you plan to go on to Graduate School that you should go to a UC.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>My son didn’t get accepted to any of the UC’s he applied to, but I would’ve tried to encourage him to consider CPP over a UC had he gotten in to UCSB or UCSD. He will not qualify for any financial aid and we cannot afford to give him all the money he will need for college, so cost is definitely a factor. The location is a plus for us because he will be about an hour from home and can come home on weekends to do laundry, attend the church that he loves, and get home cooking. lol. I think he would’ve preferred a larger school, but I like the fact that CPP is smaller. Seems like you can make connections easier at a small school. My son is definitely a hands-on kind of guy. He loved the labs where they actually build things and enter them into competitions. And finally graduate school…my son is considering it and would like a Master’s Degree. I think CPP may offer a Masters and he can probably apply there. Plus he is eligible for the honor’s program at CPP, but wouldn’t have been at a UC. </p>
<p>I’m sure you’ll get a great education wherever you decide to go. Good luck!</p>
<p>Know nothing about the programs but Davis has a better reputation than Pomoma…</p>
<p>@akadavidsmom, thank you for the reply! yes, i actually considered all those factors but … ah I still can’t decide… I’m leaning toward UC Davis, because… well the name of it and i will be more prepared for grad school… hmmpf.</p>
<p>^It’s a big decision. 
I’m sure Davis has a lot of appeal because it has a really good reputation and honestly, is more prestigious than CPP. lol. Have you visited both campuses and talked to people there? Everything usually comes down to money…if you can afford Davis, then you will probably end up there. You went to Engineering Day at CPP, right? We were there too, but the weather was kind of cruddy that day…it was so pretty the other day when we went back for a visit. Probably still can’t compare with Davis though. You still have some time to decide.<br>
When we toured UCSD I was really impressed with their campus, resources, and the amenities they offered their students. But, bottom line is that price is a big deal and and CPP is a bargain.<br>
Let us know what you end up deciding! :)</p>
<p>You will get an invite for UCD Open House, which they call Picnic Day, on April 17. I’m sure you’ll be able to get your Eng questions answered there. I don’t know if you interested in pursuing being a CE Project Mngr, but UCD just started offering a Construction Management minor this year. I don’t see that minor listed in the CPP CE materials.</p>
<p>Oops, just saw UCD has a Decision UCD thing…but I saw you saw it, too…good.</p>
<p>@akadavidsmom, thanks for helping me. I looked at my financial aid award, and its pretty good for UCD. I’m probably going there!
Yes, I went to the Engineering Day at Cal Poly Pomona. It wasn’t bad at all. I was actually impressed a little bit. The only thing I don’t like about Pomona, its that… well its kinda a “dead” campus… but maybe there’s more people on the weekday right? I like it, but Davis is way much closer to home so that’s probably why I’m choosing UCD.</p>
<p>@otc2010, wow thanks! I didnt know that! it’s (almost) exactly what I want to do! But we’ll see if when I go there. I hope to double major in French too!
Thanks for the info! haha.</p>