<p>I would say Cal Poly is comparable in some ways to the mid-tier UCs (SB, D, I), but it still lacks many of the top programs, award-winning faculty, etc. On top of that, it's easier to get into, as it's still a Cal State that goes mostly on numbers (the UCs have closer to a holistic process -- with essays, etc.). UCs are much, much more prestigious than Cal States, which in part holds back Cal Poly from growing in more national prestige.</p>
<p>Anyway, I second UCSC. Beautiful school, awesome location, great academics... and there are redwoods! Woohoo!</p>
<p>/treehugger</p>