UCI vs Cal Poly vs UCB

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

Hey guys,

I’m currently between these three schools:
UC Irvine, Cal Poly SLO, and UC Berkeley.
I was accepted to Mechanical Engineering for UCI and Cal Poly, but Engineering Undeclared for Berkeley. Wish I was accepted to UCLA but can’t spell the school without an L haha.
I am still deciding on whether or not (but I will most likely) I will be attending grad school; if so, I will be looking at schools with strong programs in automotive engineering. I’m looking at Texas A&M or other out of states, partly because I regret not applying out of states to schools like Georgia Tech.

Little Background:

  • Pretty outgoing and social
  • I really, really, really want to work for Subaru one day (if this even matters lol)
  • Came from a private high school with only about 1000 students total
  • Enjoy knowing a lot of people. I’m kind of a nomad, going from group to group every now and then to keep in touch.
  • Love the outdoors and exploring
  • Passions include photography, making youtube videos, and cars (basically UCI huh?)
  • Don’t plan to rush, but anything can happen so I’m still open to the idea
  • Parties aren’t a big deal to me. I’d rather just hangout and have a chill Friday night with friends.

I have yet to visit Cal Poly SLO, but am visiting this weekend for Open House, and have been following SLO for the past couple weeks. I have absolutely fallen in love with everything about this school. As of now, I feel about 90% ready to commit here, but I still have to visit. As a photographer, SLO’s surrounding area just absolutely captivates me, and would definitely help improve my game. Graduating within 4 years here isn’t common, but I don’t have an issue with this, especially if I’m trying to enjoy my college experience too. I won’t be able to bring my car here so that means less frequent visits home, but SLO does have an airport so that helps a bunch.

I have already visited UC Irvine, and have no issues with the campus or anything with it to be honest. Fitting in here would not be too much of a challenge. I dig the car community, safe environment, dancers, culture, etc. Plus it’s right by Disneyland so… that’s a huge plus. I could easily bring my car and drive home whenever I wished because it’s relatively close.

I toured and stayed in the dorms (was with a current student) at UC Berkeley last April of 2016, and couldn’t stand the environment. Personally, I don’t fit in here and would have a very, very difficult time ever becoming comfortable. From what I’ve heard of current students, a lot had to learn to love Berkeley. There are plenty of other reasons as to why I’m iffy, but I would go on forever if I listed everything. Very far, semester system, etc. However, I never expected to be accepted, but I see this as a matter of potentially swallowing my pride because after all, Berkeley and Engineering? Can’t exactly overlook it.

Other Factors:

  • Interested in minoring in business / entrepreneurship. Wouldn’t hurt to study a little business if I want to open my own in the future right?
  • Plan to join the FSAE (Formula Society of American Engineers I think, basically the racing team)
  • Money is definitely an issue to consider, but after everything, they’re all within the same range.

Other Schools Accepted To:

  • CPP, CSULB
  • UCSD, UCD, UCSC

What are your thoughts? Should I go to Berkeley for the reputation? (I know this sounds bad) Or would you recommend something else? How much would going to a certain undergrad affect my plans for the future?

Anything helps! Thanks!

2

If you don’t feel you would fit at Berkeley, then don’t go. It’s not for everybody. Not sure it’s easy to minor across schools at Cal Poly SLO–look it up to be sure. SLO is definitely small town/rural with lots of natural beauty and lots to photograph. Very good quality of life there. There is almost literally nothing to photograph in Irvine, in my opinion, but if you’re willing to drive (and you are), then you can get to a lot of nice stuff, from the beach to Laguna canyon to Trabuco/Saddleback etc. Irvine puts you in the center of SoCal car culture, and gives you access to LA for urban things. You can probably get a good education at either school. Cal Poly used to have an active autocross club/community–not sure if they still do, but ask when you visit.

3

Being in an environment that lifts your spirit is important. If I were you, I wouldn’t choose Berkeley unless you had another visit there during which you changed your view and felt comfortable there. Prestige is nice, but it isn’t everything.

Now if you want to read about someone who really really felt dragged down by being at Berkeley, read this thread:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/1484651-how-my-berkeley-experience-landed-me-in-the-loony-bin-real-student-experience-p1.html

4

I gotta stick up for Berkeley (not that it really needs defending, but you know) because my sister goes there and loves it. It fits her personality. Singing in choir especially helped her get involved in the community.

5

Sounds like you’re the type of person who’d make the best of their situation, so I think you’d be happy at SLO or Irvine. Both are great schools and will provide a great undergraduate education. Berkeley is excellent but IMO prestige is of lesser importance in eng; jobs will depend almost solely on experience and interviews.

There’s a car meet somewhere in Irvine nearly every day of the week, so it’s hard to be unhappy here. The “official” car club on campus is huge, and there are even more of us enthusiasts who don’t associate with it. It may be hard to put one of your hobbies on hold for 4-5 years. I certainly wouldn’t. I am a CPP dropout who got into every UC and don’t regret choosing Irvine.