<p>I'm an EE/ Comp Eng major at all of these schools and I'm really conflicted about choosing any school over the others.</p>
<p>I would first like to say that I don't really want to go to UCSD, despite the respectable engineering programs, due to its boring reputation, proximity to home, and lack of "prestige." That said, I could leave UCSD with no debt... and my parents wouldn't have to contribute at all.</p>
<p>UCLA is beautiful. I love the campus and the surrounding area, I like the energetic campus vibe, and I know they also have a respected engineering program. I could probably leave UCLA with less than 15K in debt with a little help from my parents. I also am being peer pressured by friends to join them at UCLA and I know I would have a great time. </p>
<p>USC is incredible as well. It isn't the same "SoCal" vibe as at UCLA but instead a more personal experience which really shows the contrast between public and private. I don't mind the surrounding area and I really like the campus. They also have really good programs like the progressive degree programs and flexibility in double majoring (or minoring), even with a business degree. USC is also the most expensive. I might still have over 30K of debt even with my parents' help. </p>
<p>I am really only considering UCLA and USC, but finances will play a considerable role in my next four years so I haven't given up on SD. Between LA and SC, I think I would fit in well at either campus. I love both campus vibes, but I definitely noticed that USC is much more personalized for each student. USC has such fantastic programs for undergraduates I would never have to worry about getting the credits I need. UCLA still has research opportunities and the campus vibe is very agreeable to me. I think USC might be the best option for my future, but there's really no way to be sure. </p>
<p>Any ideas/suggestions/advice?</p>
<p>*PS: I am also considering grad school. </p>
<p>*PPS: I am on the waitlist for Cornell as well. I could go there for free, but I might not enjoy it as much and I don't know if its worth it to write the letter of interest and continue researching the campus. Definitely the most prestigious.</p>
<p>Attending Cornell for “free” is a no-brainer. Great academics, spirit, and alumni network. Could take biz classes there as well. But Ithaca ain’t no SoCal.</p>
<p>You should avoid debt if you can. Most PhD programs would be fully funded, however. </p>
<p>$15k for LA is definitely worth the social upgrade over SD.<br>
Whether 'SC is worth the extra $15k is something you’ll have to decide after a visit.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! I’ve actually visited both and had the opportunity to stay overnight at USC. Very different vibes but I can’t pick one over the other! USC seems like the traditional college experience whereas UCLA seems like the “SoCal spin” off a traditional college. I really like them both. In terms of opportunity, USC SEEMS better. The presentations were much more personalized and the professor I talked to was very smart and interesting. I also like the 5 year master program w/ a minor at Marshall School of Biz. I don’t know very much about LA engineering and the information isn’t quite as accessible, but I do know that I like the considerable difference in price. However I dislike that many programs are “impacted” and that people struggle to get the classes they need.</p>
<p>I’m really not sure… but thanks for helping me rule out SD. I haven’t technically been accepted to Cornell, and their waitlist acceptance rate might not be high enough to bother trying to get in… idk if the Ivy League name is worth it. Any opinions for LA vs SC??</p>
<p>^ I’m “indifferent” after taking into account the financial situations. I personally think I would lean toward USC if they were both the same price, but I have yet to see UCLA’s engineering open house (tomorrow). What is a reasonable debt limit for a bachelor’s?</p>
<p>For engineering you’re going to get paid the same working as an engineer no matter where you go…better to save the money because you will NOT see a return on your investment over the cheaper option.</p>
<p>^ Engineering salaries do vary though, especially in a very broad field of study like EE/ CE/CS… also I would assume higher grades and higher degrees can help get you higher positions and/or better companies to work for? I’m very interested in USC’s 5 year BS/MS program and also in their undergrad business school, so I feel like I might have more opportunities. But that said, I really don’t want debt and UCLA is so good too! I can’t see an absolute argument for either school :(</p>
<p>What is a reasonable amount of debt for you may be significantly lower than the average debt on graduation that is reported by the universities on your list. Over in the Financial Aid Forum, the parents seem to support keeping your debt down to no more than the total permissible with Stafford Loans. You need to talk with your own parents about how you could finance any differences between the costs at these different universities.</p>
<p>Oh, and as for “peer pressure” from your friends to attend University X, well if THEY will personally pay the difference, fine. But if you have to, then it really is not their business if you choose a less expensive option.</p>
<p>Are you interested in “pure” engineering in EE and/or CE? </p>
<p>If you are, then I’d drop the dual BSEE-BSCE/BuAd five-year program if I were you. I realize you may want to start your own company, etc, but you should concentrate more on your engineering studies in the immediate. </p>
<p>An MS could probably get you a project mgr role over x amount of employees, and you may ascend the ranks of a company if you know your stuff. </p>
<p>Generally to become viable in the engineering field and to have your own company, though, you should consider a PHD program as you could advertise your company as Joe Smith, PHD EE/CE. </p>
<p>UCLA will get you into a name MS/PHD program over USC because it’s more rigorous. </p>
<p>USC will get you into its own program by trying to attract undergrad scholars, but you may want a bigger name MS/PHD program, and that would apply to both UCLA and USC grad E school.</p>
<p>Shade UCSD to the UCLA side, btw. Which is more rigorous between the two? Who knows, but I’m sure they both have very tough weed-out classes and both are on accelerated quarters. But this wouldn’t apply to you since you’re undoubtedly a star. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input everyone! ^ What do you mean by ‘pure’ engineering? I want to study all aspects of EE, which unfortunately neither school includes in a bachelor’s program. With the increases in information, it seems ridiculous to keep putting engineer’s through school in four years. I’m interested in all of EE, a lot of CS, and some ChemE… I think a few courses from a business school would also be an excellent way to supplement this. So basically, I am definitely considering grad school and UCLA does seem like the better option, but UCLA is very structured and I don’t know if I will be able to find all the knowledge I seek in my time there. I was impressed by their engineering presentation, however, so I guess I’m more confused than before, when I was leaning toward USC.</p>
<p>Consider this: By this time next year, transfer students with GPAs of less than 3.5 most likely wouldn’t get in thanks to the up’ing of the TAG agreements. So it’ll be even more competitive. UCSD is extremely prestigious, especially for its age. </p>
<p>That said, I’m still taking UCSD for an Engineering major. All day, every day. The campus life is terrifically safe, and very collegiate. </p>
<p>Plus, no earthquakes of magnitude 9.8 are expected. </p>