Transfer to UC San Diego or UC Berkeley for Chemical Engineering?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

Hello everyone,

I was recently admitted to both UC San Diego and UC Berkeley as a junior in chemical engineering. I’m transferring from a community college in WA so there isn’t much that I know about the programs at each school and unfortunately I cannot afford to fly down and visit the schools before the decision deadline on June 1st.

Fortunately, I went to a California high school for 3 years and thus was able to get my non resident tuition waived meaning both schools remain a financial possibility for me to attend. I’m wondering if any of you have experience/know about the chemical engineering programs at either of these schools and can help me make a decision. I know Berkeley is a more prestigious school and is ranked higher on lists of best chemical engineering schools by websites like usnews, topuniversities, etc… but I’m not sure how much credibility those lists really have or if being more prestigious school makes you a better school.

I’m also planning on eventually going for a master’s degree, which may be another factor I should keep in mind when choosing a school.

Let me know what think,
Thanks!

2

School wise to me it’s Berkely. Campus, social, political views etc they are a quite different. UCSD is also blessed with the finest weather in the country IMO

3

@sbarrow825 CENG is considered one of the weaker majors at UCSD, you’re going to have a harder time getting recruited at job fairs and the like. Unless there’s something you particularly like about SD or don’t plan to stay in Chemical Engineering, I’d pick Berkeley.