I am majoring in chemical engineering and considering applying to UCSD but before I do, I want to know more about the environment at the engineering school. Are the students supportive of each other? Does the school want you to succeed?
I find that at public universities they really don’t care if you succeed or not. It’s basically a sink or swim environment.
My son did computer science at UCSD. The support he got from his professors made all the difference, especially when it came to getting involved in research. We are not sure if he would have gotten as much positive feedback, personal attention, and encouragement elsewhere. I don’t know if the chemical engineering professors are the same though. Hopefully someone from your area will chime in.