<p>(I used the "#2" as there is a similar thread a few threads down that is also debating this decision but with different circumstances than my own)</p>
<p>Alright, so first of all I'm from CA but tuition/money is not a big concern for my family. I've applied for Bioengineering to both these schools.</p>
<p>The dilemma: My goal is to gain a background in bioengineering and then study business or law at a Ivy-level grad school; however, after asking around, it looks like UCLA's undergraduate bioengineering program isn't even ranked in the top 50, while Michigan's undergraduate bioengineering program is top 10.</p>
<p>However, I've visited both campuses already and find UCLA's much more attractive. I like UCLA's weather, it's proximity to the beach and the liveliness of LA. I feel a little more comfortable for the fact that if I go to UCLA, I'll at least know a few people their from my high school (I'm the only one applying to Mich. from my school).</p>
<p>I'd love any suggestions on which school to pick. I'm just afraid that since UCLA's undergrad bioengineering department isn't even ranked, I'll have a tougher time getting into Ivy graduate schools (ie. U Penn/Stanford business or law)</p>
<p>For what it's worth, a friend of the family got into a few ivy-league schools, and a bunch of other schools for Physics (undergraduate). She chose to go to Penn State over all the schools she was accepted in (sounds crazy, right?). Well, she graduated as one of the top physics students in her year from Penn State, and is now going to Grad School at Penn on a full ride.</p>
<p>I guess what I'm trying to say is, especially if you're going to graduate school, you can make a name for yourself where ever you go. Sometimes being the best student at a more average school looks better than being middle of the road at an ivy-league college.</p>
<p>It sounds like you would enjoy UCLA much more. Michigan's weather can be tough getting use to, and it's definitely something that can make or break your college experience. If you feel comfortable at UCLA, like the department, believe it will challenge you, and just seem to feel more at home on their campus, I'd say go there. Rankings can only go so far, and UCLA is definitely a respected name...</p>
<p>UCLA in-state tuition > UMich out-of-state tuition.
You also like the campus and environment, that's a plus.</p>
<p>The difference between UCLA and UMich degrees for getting into Ivy/top private grad schools will make no difference, because you don't have an intention on pursuing an advanced degree in bioengineering. You want to do law or business. In this case, it's all about grades, GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores, and significant work experience (for an MBA).</p>
<p>I agree with UCBChemEGrad. And while UCLA's bioE program may not appear to be in the "top 10," it's definitely a great program, so you shouldn't worry about quality.</p>
<p>Go for fit. In your case, that means UCLA. Besides, even if finances aren't a concern, since you are planning on going to graduate school, I would recommend you save as much money as an undergrad.</p>
<p>Thanks for the insight everyone; I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>UCBChemEGrad, with regards to your second paragraph - If, assuming I study bioE at UCLA and later graduate from a good business/law school but want to find a job in the bioengineering field, wouldn't I be offered with less job choices (comparing to if I'd gone to Mich. as an undergrad) due to a significantly lower ranked bioE department?</p>
<p>I was thinking about UCSD as an option but after taking both the UCLA and UCSD tours over the summer, UCLA just seemed a little more lively/open to me. I'm still highly considering UCSD as one of my possibilities though, as their bioE department is phenomenal. Anyone willing to share any wisdom on this - UCLA vs. UCSD vs. UMich?</p>
<p>I'd prefer not to go to Cal as it's way too close to home.</p>
<p>
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wouldn't I be offered with less job choices (comparing to if I'd gone to Mich. as an undergrad) due to a significantly lower ranked bioE department?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Absolutely not. This has been discussed many times, but in short, employers aren't looking at program ranking. UCLA gets plenty of recruiting opportunities, as does Michigan.</p>
<p>Bio/Biomedical Engineering is a very specific degree for an undergrad, I really think you should think about doing ChemE, it's similar and a lot broader, job prospects are better for ChemE majors. For example, you might decide that you want to do Oil, or be a plant engineer, these companies hire ChemEs, but not BMEs. All pharmaceutical companies hire ChemEs, so it's not like you have an advantage with a BME degree. </p>
<p>I'm familiar with Michigan's program, it's pretty good, I took a few grad level Biomechanics courses and they were very good. if you are 100% sure that you want to do Biomedical Engineering, you need to check out the curriculum, because only a handful of schools have a steady curriculum that isn't changing every other month. It's a new field, so get ready for changing requirements and new buildings, new faculty...etc.</p>
<p>I agree with Kyledavid that job opportunities will be the same. Recruitment for Bio/biomedical engineers may be less at UCLA, since it is a very narrow field and it's not a top-rated program. Program rankings are more important for careers with a narrow focus, due to recruitment. The smaller the potential industry, the less likely they will be recruiting from every campus...the industry doesn't have the resources to do that...so, they'll target the best programs to conduct on-campus recruiting.</p>
<p>Now, this doesn't mean that if you get a bioengineering degree from UCLA that you won't get a job because it's a poor program...FAR FROM IT! You'll just have to do more leg work in your job search.</p>
<p>That being said, I agree UCSD is kinda boring and UCLA is more exciting...I'd choose UCLA easily.</p>
<p>Another thing though, Keefer does raise some good points. I would also suggest getting an engineering degree in a more traditional discipline, like ChemE. This is because, like Keefer said, you will have a broader employment base that you can draw from.</p>
<p>If the bio/biomedical engineering interest is still with you, pursue it via a graduate degree...As an engineer, your employer may subsidize your advanced degree. My employer paid for my MBA.</p>
<p>Hm, I've never thought about switching to a more traditional/broad major but it sounds like it might be a good idea. Instead of ChemE, I'd also be willing to do EE and MechE since I'm pretty good at and interested in Physics. Isn't it near impossible to switch majors though, especially to more competitive engineering majors, since I've already declared as BioE? </p>
<p>Normally when you're already in a college of engineering, it's easier to switch to another engineering major. The difficulty arises when you switch majors that are in different colleges.</p>
<p><em>Note: I use the term college to mean a school within a university</em></p>
<p>For what it's worth, a friend of the family got into a few ivy-league schools, and a bunch of other schools for Physics (undergraduate). She chose to go to Penn State over all the schools she was accepted in (sounds crazy, right?)." </p>
<p>Not really Frankricard, Penn State is a great school. I know the common person probably doesn't know the rankings that well and assumes any non-ivy league school is the same, so I guess it's an understandable mistake.</p>
<p>Now, with regards to the poster:</p>
<p>Michigan is a great school, but if you are wanting good weather it's not the place to look. Also, I am sure that LA is a much livelier town than Ann Arbor. I would not worry so much about not knowing anyone at Michigan. I have several friends that went there and they all love it. They all branched out and have new friends, since it seems very easy to meet people and to find things to do (clubs, sporting events, etc.). Despite the weather, I would suggest Michigan. It sounds like you like the california and want that type of weather, but how many opportunities do you have to live across the country on your parent's dollar for four years. You really can't go wrong either way. Best of luck with your decision.</p>