UCI vs Cal Poly Pomona Civil Engineering?

State Forums
1

I’ve always looked at attending UCI for civil engineering because I plan on staying in the OC area and its engineering department is pretty good, but I’ve read a lot of posts comparing UC Engineering Programs to CPP’s and it looks like CPP is mostly the better choice for a number of reasons.
CPP has:

  • Believe in hands on learning = more attractive to employers
  • Mostly cheaper
  • School that focuses on STEM obviously
  • Many connections to employers thru reputation
  • Smaller Class Sizes
  • Easier to Get into

UCI has

  • Better campus (I love the coast and area)
  • Maybe more connections to Orange County companies(?)
  • Better social life

As you can see, I’m having a hard time justifying going UCI, which has been my dream school for all of high school, over CPP at least for civil engineering. Can anyone help me justify going to Irvine?

2

first, get into both, then choose between them.

what’s your status and what are your qualifications?

3

I agree with @NCalRent, you need to apply to both schools plus several more and then see where you get admitted.

There is no guarantee you will be accepted into either school especially since test scores are not being considered at the CSU’s this admission cycle and test blind/test optional (still up in the air) for the UC’s. If you are a Senior, you need to apply widely and make sure you have 1-2 solid safety schools on your list that you are willing to attend.

Remember an applicant’s “dream school” is the school that sends you an acceptance and wants you to attend.