UIUC or USCD (EE)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey Guys, so with the SIR deadlines homing in in less than a week, I have to make a choice between these two very great schools. At first I thought I was set on UCSD since it had been a long-term goal, but now I realize that I'm rather conflicted between the two.</p>

<p>I'm an CA resident and I got into both schools for Electrical Engineering</p>

<p>UI - Urbana Champaign:
+ Higher ranked for my major as well as in engineering and very high regarded nationally
+ More school spirit
+ More Diverse population
+ Friendlier atmosphere (from what I heard)
+ Beautiful Campus
- Depressing, cold, weather
- Area around it is all farmland and rural
- Higher Tuition (My wealthy uncle is willing to help pay for a large part of the tuition and I am planning to pay it back in the future so money isn't TOO big of a problem)
- Distance from home (I get homesick easily)
+/- Completely new environment from home</p>

<p>UC San Diego:
+ Awesome Location, next to the beach
+ California Weather
+ In-State Tuition with grants
+ Environment is similar to that of my hometown, so I won't have a problem being comfortable
+ Close to home
+ Many good friends going there
- Competitive Atmosphere (from what I heard)
- Lower ranked for my major, but still rather strong
- Very weak school spirit</p>

<p>Academically, I know UIUC is stronger than UCSD, although I don't know by how much. The question is if I'm willing to give up a degree of comfort for a better? education. If anyone has any input on this decision, it'd be much appreciated.</p>

2

<p>- Higher Tuition (My wealthy uncle is willing to help pay for a large part of the tuition and I am planning to pay it back in the future so money isn’t TOO big of a problem)</p>

<p>If you’re expected to pay back the money (how much), then that will be a problem. You can’t just sweep that away since uncle is lendign you the money. </p>

<p>How much is uncle contributing each year? </p>

<p>You’re not going to be earning more money as a UIUC graduate. An eng’g grad from a UC will get paid the same. that’s a fact.</p>

3

<p>My uncle will contribute whatever we cannot pay (approximately 20,000 a year). I am planning to pay it back but it is not as bad as student loans since there’s no interest.</p>

<p>I’ve been under the impression that since UIUC is pretty renowned for its engineering program, I’d have an easier time finding a better job after graduation since I recognize many people who have gone there and come out pretty successful.</p>

4

<p>UCSD also has a renowned engineering program., and the school itself is highly ranked. Plus it will cost you (and your uncle) thousands less.</p>

<p>[UCSD</a> Jacobs School of Engineering](<a href=“http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/grad/facts.shtml#ranking]UCSD”>http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/grad/facts.shtml#ranking)</p>

5

<p>UIUC would be the choice if you weren’t a CA resident - it’s not worth paying more $ though. Go to UCSD.</p>