<p>The GE’s for UCs and CSUs might be the same but the major prereqs are extremely different. UCs require much more courses (science/math/physics) depending on what type of engineering major you are (assist.org).</p>
<p>A prestigious school is prestigious because the school has an academic curriculum which is recognized all over the world. So no I can’t say if Cal Poly is better or the UCs are better because according to you it depends on the experience and I don’t know what kind of a person you are. But I can tell you that both CSUs and UCs are good schools. Also here are the engineering programs offered at various UCs [url=<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/academics/engcs.html]http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/academics/engcs.html[/url”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/academics/engcs.html]http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/academics/engcs.html[/url</a>] so you can make an informed decision (I didn’t include CSUs since you already seem knowledgeable about it). </p>
<p>So I don’t know exactly why you’re saying your experimental growth will be hindered, when there are clearly programs at the UCs as well as the CSUs offer that chance. But since you’re actually passionate about engineering rather than being in the major for the money, I have to say I’m pretty sure you’ll do well/find a job whichever school you go to as long as you put the effort into it.</p>