Hey everybody. I am studying in India and I have been accepted at quite a few colleges. But i need help in choosing between UIUC and UCSD. UIUC is like 5000 dollars cheaper and i saw that its ECE department is ranked number 5 and is also one of the best in the world. I would like to get research opportunities and hands on experience. Apart from job opportunities, my aim is to make it to a top grad school. UIUC is great for post grad and this is another reason why i am leaning towards it. But i also heard that grading is very strict at UIUC and tgat many people dropout. Is the rigour more intense compared to any other college? I am ready to work hard, but i want to know if it is extremely hard to live a life at UIUC. Is it the right decision to go with UIUC?
Do you have direct admission to your major at both?
They’re two completely different schools. A EE degree from UIUC will definitely put you at an advantage over someone with an EE degree from UCSD as their department, connections and the program are head and shoulders above UCSD. But the decision depends on what kind of life you want to have in college. UCSD is a well-known party school. Yes, classes will be easier, UIUC is much more rigorous, but you are still an EE major, so don’t expect a walk in the park. Are you willing to grit your teeth and work hard for four years? Do you want to put yourself in the best possible position after graduation? If so you should probably go to UIUC. In my opinion, going to a party school while majoring in engineering seems futile – you’re not going to experience the party atmosphere to the fullest extent if you’re an engineering major. But if you insist upon having the option to chill on the beach and take in the beauty that is UCSB’s campus, then go to UCSB.
Ok. Thank you very much 
Yes. I have been admitted for electrical engineering at both the colleges.