UCSB College of Engineering - WOW!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
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<p>DS has been accepted to the UCSB ME program. Honestly, UCSB wasn’t his first choice when he submitted his applications. However, he was invited to the Chancellor reception and it peaked his interest. And, after a very surprising denial by what he thinks would have been his first choice, we decided to visit UCSB again. I thought what we learned about the School of Engineering would be of interest.</p>

<p>The UCSB School of Engineering comprises only 7% of the student population. They have 1200 UG’s and 700 Grad students. In other words, it is a small college within the large university. DS scheduled an appointment with the ME staff adviser who took it upon themselves to set up a private tour of the facility. We toured the student labs and also several of the research facilities. What stood out was how friendly and outgoing both the students and the faculty we met were. It was reiterated over and over again that UCSB is undergrad focused. What this translates into for UG engineering students is a much great opportunity to participate in research early on. The profs NEED their assistance...there aren’t enough grad students to go around.</p>

<p>The COE received 10,000 applications this year – for an incoming class of 300! The most competitive major is M.E. which received 4000 applications for an Freshman class of 65.</p>

<p>We happened to stumble upon the machine shop during our wanderings. DH and DS were pulled in like flies to fly paper. Again, an outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic faculty member happened to be present. They spent 30 minutes with us. When he mentioned that M.E. UG’s have the opportunity to actually tool their concepts into a tangible item, DS was hooked. Not only that, but M.E. students can also manufacture items for those doing research. As it was put to us ...if you can take the scribble from a cocktail napkin and make it an actual workable device then come on by! The program has a nice blend of 60% theory and 40% practical/hands on.</p>

<p>Before our visit, DS contacted several staff and faculty members for a variety of reasons. Each and everyone responded quickly and all provided assistance. They even arranged for a tour of the theater/dance facilities since DS would like to continue working in the stage/technical lighting area – an EC he enjoyed throughout HS. </p>

<p>Given the attention other UC engineering programs receive, I must say I was blown away by UCSB. Given the number of applications it can’t really be classified as a ‘hidden’ gem, but a gem it is none the less.</p>

<p>As for the party reputation...well...again we happened to run into someone 'in the know'. We spoke with a woman who manages one of the largest student housing complexes in Isla Vista. A property outside 'the animal kingdom'. Yes, IV can and does get crazy...but...unless you go looking it...the craziness won't come looking for you. Many many students lead a balanced and healthy life.</p>

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<p>Wow 65 ME majors accepted?</p>

<p>I feel really proud bow because I was accepted this year as well and it is my second choice for now. </p>

<p>If the class is 65 does that mean the first 65 to submit their SIR will be able to enroll? Or are all acceptees able to enroll at any point before the deadline?</p>

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<p>I’m not sure how many acceptances for ME were given. The 65 is the intended size of the incoming freshman class. Like all schools UCSB has a yield estimate for how many of those accepted will attend and extends offers based on that calculation. I don’t know how many acceptances were offered. So, no it’s not on a first come first served basis. That said, we were also told that accepted are committing earlier this year.</p>

<p>The representative doing the formal presentation for the COE did state that they’d been receiving a large number of phone calls from students who had not been accepted to any of the engineering programs to which they applied. It seems that in the last 3 years applications for this particular area have just skyrocketed. </p>

<p>@Dimas…congrats on the acceptance - sounds like you have some great options. Are you willing to share your first choice option?</p>

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<p>Oh well the program is still very interesting and thank you for all the information.</p>

<p>Since I am in engineering my I’m still waiting for CalPoly Pomona, which is my first choice. However i was very interested on how the engineering programs compare. Im undecided for now between those two.</p>