<p>which is better for chemical engineering</p>
<p>UCI, hands down</p>
<p>Cal Poly is supposed to have a good standing in engineering. A big difference between the two is the theoretical vs. practical approach. Being a polytechnic, Cal Poly will give you more hands-on experience from what I've heard. UCI, on the other hand will prepare you better for grad school. If you want to go to grad school, I'd say UCI definitely. Otherwise, it depends on what kind of teaching methodology you prefer.
Nevertheless, given the choice I would go with UCI in a heartbeat. I live really close to Cal Poly and let me tell you... the area sucks! If you're looking for any amount of a college experience, UCI will be a much better choice (even though it is a commuter school). I also know someone that goes to Cal Poly, and the budget crisis really seems to be having a toll on the school right now.
And in general, the UC name is just more well-respected than the CSU name.</p>
<p>UCI hands down. When people refer to Cal Poly, they mean San Luis Obispo, and not Pomona. The two are not comparable.</p>
<p>UCI hands down.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>When people refer to Cal Poly, they mean San Luis Obispo, and not Pomona. The two are not comparable.</p> </blockquote>
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<p>?!? Is this specific to chemE, or does it apply to all engineering?</p>
<p>Having worked at hightech companies in the Southern California area for roughly 10 years, I can tell you Cal Poly Pomona is well regarded -- a CPP college-grad would be on even footing vs. a UCI college-grad. I've worked with several CPP grads (ElecE), and they are sharp people.</p>
<p>I completely agree about the vocational vs theoretical comparison -- no surprise there since the University of California's principle purpose is to conduct research operations (and thus, the undegrad curricula is geared toward that purpose.)</p>
<p>Cal Poly SLO doesn't have ChemE.</p>
<p>I would say Cal Poly Pomona over UCI. UCI is known for Computer Science.</p>
<p>Having attended both schools here are my thoughts:</p>
<p>Everything that has been said with regards to theoretical vs. practical is true. It was one of the reasons that I left UCI. </p>
<p>Also, class size is a big difference. I was a CS major at UCI and had well over a 100 people in my classes, and the labs were taught by RA/TA's. I switched my major to computer engineering when I got to Cal Poly Pomona. Not one of my engineering classes had over 40 people and most had <30 in the class. The professors teach the labs so the lecture and lab concepts are on the same page. </p>
<p>Both of the schools don't have really a night life. UCI is close to Newport and Huntington Beach so there is a little more to do out there, but Irvine itself is basically asleep at night, except for the Irvine Spectrum. I had the hardest time trying to find a stupid gas station in Irvine, whereas where I grew up there was one on every other street corner.</p>
<p>If you plan on living in So. Cal. both schools have an excellent reputation, but on the national level I would have to say UCI, since it is part of the UC system.</p>
<p>UCI hands down, and this is from CPP alumni.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, it's not that CPP is bad, it's just UCI is better...</p>
<p>I'd definitely take Cal Poly Pomona</p>
<p>Cal Poly Pomona</p>
<p>My son (mechanical engineer) chose Cal Poly Pomona over UC Irvine AND UC Davis. He really loves it there. He has been an intern at Fluor Corp. and was offered employment upon graduation.</p>
<p>Cal Poly Pomona will get you a job right out of college (almost 100% guarantee because they have hook ups).</p>
<p>UCI is in a nicer area, you’ll still get a good education, but might have to search a little for a job.</p>
<p>what the heck… this thread is old. I didn’t notice that…</p>
<p>Cal Poly Pomona grads have a higher average salary with $48,500 starting and $93,300 mid-career. UCI is at $45,900 starting and $92,500 mid-career.
According to:
[Top</a> US Colleges ? Graduate Salary Statistics](<a href=“http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-us-colleges-graduate-salary-statistics.asp]Top”>http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-us-colleges-graduate-salary-statistics.asp)</p>
<p>Don’t use that list. Go to UCI</p>
<p>This post was posted two years ago… the person most likely may have decided what school he/she wanted to go to… But for people that are using this post as a reference whether to go to Pomona or UC Irvine, I’d say go visit the schools and take a look at the campus. Even if one of them tops the other for chemical engineering, you may not like that campus at all.</p>
<p>For undergraduate engineering, Cal Poly Pomona.</p>
<p>Hi Saw your post re; Cal Poly Pomona. My son is interested in this school yet we are wondering the current impact of budget cuts. Does your son live on campus. Are the ME intro classes huge lecture Halls. Could my son ask him some ?'s
You may respond on private post.
Other s with info on caly poly pomona can also reply.
My son is deciding on UCD < UCI< UCSC< Santa Clara, Rose Hulman, RIT
Trinity, University of Denver. and very confused , but also has a learning difference, wants more hand on learning, and more project based experience as well as good academic support or tutoring help.</p>