<p>Hey all, i got accepted into both schools and i was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for where i should go for mechanical engineering? This is what i have in my mind:
Cal Poly:
Pros- really strong engineering program, nice dorms
cons- seems kinda boring, less asians (sounds kinda stupid, but i admit i feel more comfortable and fit in better with my race)
UCI:
Pros- Asians, i have some good friends going there, more populated, closer to home, urban
Cons- I heard that the engineering program wasn't as respectable as SLO.</p>
<p>Am i wrong in any of these opinions? And since i have never gone to college before, do people generally meet new people quickly or stick to their old highschool buddies (who go to the same college as them) after they go to college?</p>
<p>And on a side note: I got accepted to UCI as a biology major and don't know how hard it is to switch to engineering.</p>
<p>Haha...Yes, you sound like you'd be happier at Irvine, so go there. IMO, UCI is more boring/more of a commuter campus. I'd want to go away and live in nice dorms...but that's me.</p>
<p>Where are you from??? Cal Poly is definitely more rural and much slower pace than UCI. It has a fantastic engineering program and is known in the engineering world for its hands on approach. I am a graduate and can tell you that when I started working I was much more prepared for the "real world" than many of my counterparts. There are many southern California companies who hire strictly from the Cal Poly pool of graduates. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I'm sure you would get a great education from UCI also. It is definitely in an area with a little more going on socially. If you are from a bigger area, you might enjoy UCI more. If the "Asian factor" also makes you more comfortable I'd say go w/ UCI. College is such a huge adjustment for anyone that if there is any factor that makes the transition easier go with it!</p>
<p>How about financial incentives- is either one offering you more than the other???</p>
<p>You seem like you're leaning more towards UCI so go where you think you'll be happy. Just to note, if you're more comfortable around asians join one of the multicultural clubs (CSA, PCE, TVSA) at Cal Poly. Also, while I do not have statistics to back this up, last year's entering class seemed to have more asians than average (maybe signs of an upward trend?). Again though go where you will be more comfortable.</p>
<p>As far as the "Asian factor" goes, then UC Irvine and Cal Poly SLO are probably close to the high and low ends of the spectrum, respectively, among public universities in California. According to collegeboard:</p>
<p>While UCI may seem more "comfortable", you might actually learn more -- and not necessarily just about engineering -- by getting out of your comfort zone for a while.</p>
<p>^ Well the OP should be able to do whatever s/he wants in that respect</p>
<p>But yeah, Cal Poly is definitely known for its engineering and that's a pretty huge benefit over UCI. But don't go there if you don't think you'll enjoy it. Idk, if I were in your shoes i'd consider the fact that you'll probably end up getting used to whatever type of people you're around.</p>
<p>
[quote]
While UCI may seem more "comfortable", you might actually learn more -- and not necessarily just about engineering -- by getting out of your comfort zone for a while.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>It's okay to stay in your comfort zone your whole life, if you are actually comfortable and satisfied there.</p>
<p>thanks everybody for sharing their opinions and advice. To answer earlier questions i did not receive scholarships to either college, and I am from San Diego. I have one last question which is will going to Cal Poly give me a significant upperhand in finding mechanical engineering jobs over UCI? (thank you Ruca for bringing this up, asking not because i don't trust your opinion, just i would like more opinions)</p>