UCSD vs. UCSB for Electrical & Computer Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

<p>I am trying to decide between my current 2 top choices - UCSD vs. UCSB for Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). I definitely would like to go to grad school, and I am not into partying.</p>

<h1>For UCSD:</h1>

<p>+ UCSD is more prestigious, ranked higher for ECE, with good research opportunities
- UCSD ECE classes are tough, and ECE GPA, on average, is lower, thus hurting chances for grad school admission (possibly for employment too)
- UCSD classes are very large even in upper division classes, diminishing opportunities for interaction with the professors, which in turn may lower chances for good recommendations for grad school.
- UCSD student culture is cut-throat competitive
- UCSD campus is very large and boring
o UCSD location is wonderful - not an issue</p>

<h1>For UCSB:</h1>

<p>- UCSB ECE is very good, but ranked below UCSD, with good research opportunities
+ UCSB ECE classes are slightly easier, and ECE GPA, on average, is higher for the same effort, thus helping chances for grad school admission (possibly for employment too)
+ UCSB classes are slightly smaller, thus helping opportunities for interaction with professors, which in turn may increase chances for good recommendations for grad school
+ UCSB student culture is more cooperative than UCSD
- UCSB has a party school image
o UCSB location is wonderful too - not an issue</p>

<p>In general, even though UCSB ECE seems to have more positives, UCSD ECE seems to get recommended as the choice to make.</p>

<p>Please comment on my impressions above and assign relative weights to the positives and negatives. All of your opinions are highly appreciated. Thanks!</p>

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<p>If you weigh each factor equally, that implies to me that nonacademic factors are as important to you as academic ones. I assume they are that way for you because if the way you formatted your post. I will grant you that SD is more highly ranked than SB. BUT I do not agree that their locations are equivalent. SB has not just a nicer campus --because it’s actually located right on the beachfront, its location for a student is superior. Given the smaller classes, better chances to get a higher GPA, and more upbeat and fun environment, I’d choose UCSB.</p>

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