<p>I am currently a sophomore at CSULB and I am a Mechanical Engineering major. I was wondering if I should transfer from CSULB to Cal Poly Pomona since they have a better engineering program? I graduated high school with a 4.0 and honors and at the time wasn't really motivated about college so just chose CSULB since it was nearby which allows me to commute and plus its very inexpensive. I love the school, have lots of new friends, and recently got into the CSULB honors program which only has 300 students and also I got into the ME and EE honors society. I am also getting more involved with Engineering clubs and have an internship lined up for the summer, and I will be studying abroad in Germany next year. My classes are going great and I have received good grades while there. The Engineering Department at CSULB is by no means bad, but it is not as good as Cal Poly's or any of the UC's. Should I try to leave everything at CSULB and go to a different school that will cost more money and gas just because they have a better Engineering school? Im just concerned if I graduate from CSULB employers will look at me differently, I might not get as good a job, or I might not get into a good grad school if I choose to pursue a masters. Or will getting as involved as I already am show the employers something about myself even if I graduate from a lesser University. Thank you in advance for responding.</p>
<p>I am very familiar with your situation and I know these schools well. You are at CSULB and thriving. You are doing all the right things and CSULB is by no means a bad school. I think that you would be surprised at how well known it is and it is not that far behind Cal Poly Pomona. If you really want a step up, then transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I am not a big fan of the engineering programs at the UC’s as a practical hands on education is not emphasized and I think that you would be disappointed.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that it is what you do at your university rather than what university that you go to. You should be able to get into a great grad school from CSULB and your starting salary should be pretty much equal to a UC or Cal Poly Pomona.</p>
<p>My advise is to stay put, save your money for grad school and just get great grades and keep up with all your EC’s, clubs and honors activities. Since you are in the South Bay, you should look for opportunities to do internships locally at SpaceX, or any of the many defense contractors. Get to know your professors that have industry contacts and get some high profile internships. Germany sounds like a great idea too. Anyway, stop second guessing yourself and forget the rankings. You’ll do great and if you go to grad school it is that school’s reputation that will follow you for the rest of your career.</p>