U.C. Berkeley or Michigan? (Aerospace Engineering)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>I've made my way through the entire college process and have narrowed my choices down to the University of Michigan and the University of California at Berkeley. I am interested in pursuing aerospace engineering, but I would feel just as comfortable getting a degree in mechanical engineering because it is such a similar field.</p>

<p>I have visited both schools, and I've fallen in love with both of them. I feel like I can't go wrong, but since I can only choose one, I'd to choose the best one for me. Both of them are out-of-state, so costs are essentially equal.</p>

<p>I feel that I would get a more well-respected degree from Berkeley because it's strong reputation in the field, but I know that Michigan is a school that has been "on the rise" for the last few years. Which of these schools has a better reputation in the aerospace world? Berkeley is ranked 3rd by US News, while Michigan is ranked 7th. How significant is this difference?</p>

<p>Between the two schools, I think that I fit in better at Michigan, but I have no problem with Berkeley's culture (except that I am not interested in poltical activism). I love college sports, especially football and basketball, and I like that both school's have strong athletic programs and spirited students. I like the weather in Berkeley, but I like Ann Arbor as a traditional college town.</p>

<p>I think I would thrive academically at Berkeley (I learn best in a competitive environment), but I would have a more fun college experience at Michigan. I'm worried that if I go to Michigan, I will slack off, but if I go to Berkeley, I will lose out on the fun parts of being in college.</p>

<p>I am totally 50-50 between the two schools, so I'm posting this in both school's forums. Please let me know what you would do if you were in my shoes! If there's anything I've overlooked that might help me make a decision, please share that as well! Thank you very much for your time!</p>

2

<p>Michigan has an actual aerospace engineering major, while Berkeley does not (you’d have to look for electives within mechanical engineering).</p>

<p>You may want to look at the courses and curricula to see which school’s upper level course offerings are a better fit for your academic interests.</p>

3

<p>Michigan and Purdue are actually tops in this major. Berkeley has an edge in EECS.</p>

4

<p>Which school would be better if I tried to major in aerospace/mechanical engineering (depending on the school) and minor in computer science? I will have AP credits and Running Starts credits coming in, so I will probably be able to finish this in 4 or 4.5 years.</p>

<p>Also, is there anyone in the aerospace industry who knows if companies prefer Berkeley mechanical engineers or Michigan aerospace engineers?</p>

5

<p>I would google for SpaceX glassdoor to see what kind of skills are needed for this field. Aerospace engineering is very limiting. My mom would not let me apply to this major.</p>

6

<p>Hmmm, “Running Start” implies you are in the state of Washington? If so, why not go to University of Washington at the much lower in-state price and get the local recruiting advantage of being near a major aerospace company (and presumably many of its suppliers).</p>