<p>I'm new to CC and like everyone else I'm trying to decide between schools. I live in california and hope to persue engineering. So far I've narrowed it down to the following:</p>
<p>Cal Poly SLO
Cal Poly Pomona
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
CSU Fullerton
University of San Diego</p>
<p>I was in love with UCLA but sadly wasn't offered admission. I would like to be in Southern California but am willing to adjust for the best education.</p>
<p>Thanks! Any help is appreciated.</p>
<p>I am familiar with most of these schools. I assume that you have been accepted to these schools already. Congrats, you did very well. Here are my comments:</p>
<p>Cal Poly SLO – Of all the California schools this is the cream of the crop. If you were lucky enough to have been accepted to this tremendous program, get registered for the Open House on April 12, 13 & 14. Then let the school sell itself. You will be amazed. My son chose Cal Poly SLO over UCLA, he was accepted to that program as well and we turned down the offer after researching the program and determining that it was a mismatch for my son’s educational goals and learning style.</p>
<p>Cal Poly Pomona – Great school, located in Southern California where you want to be, sister school to Cal Poly SLO, but not quite on the same level. My son was also accepted there and we seriously considered it as it is very close to home. We went on the tours, he applied for and was accepted into the Kellogg Honors College and we spent a lot of time talking to professors and counselors. Great learn by doing philosophy like SLO. But, at the end of the day SLO was the final choice and the best fit. </p>
<p>Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Great school, another polytechnic program which we feel is superior to the large research institutions specifically for engineering. The drawback for you is that it is in NY not So Cal and it is a private institution that is very expensive. If you received a lot of scholarship money then seriously consider it. Additionally, unlike the Cal Polys, it also has a big student population discrepancy between male and female students. Many more guys that girls. Incidentally, the president of the school is a trend stetting African American woman who is committed to rectifying the gender and minority gap, but it will take time. If that is OK, then RPI can be an excellent choice.</p>
<p>CSU Fullerton – Great Cal State. So Cal location. I’ve actually taught classes at this school before (as well as UCLA, USC and Cal State Dominguez Hills) and liked it. However, it is not anywhere near the level of the three schools above for engineering.</p>
<p>University of San Diego – If it is not UCSD, which is a good program, then I am not familiar enough to comment.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>