UW or UCI for Bioengineering

College Search & Selection
1

Hi,
I have “direct to engineering” admission to UW with undeclared major(I specified Bioengineering as my first choice). I am told that it is a very competitive to get in after completing pre-reqs. In UC Irvine, I have confirmed admission in Biomedical department (which has similar course materials). I am debating between these two. Any insights about these two schools for Bioengineering ?

I am a California resident. Out-of-state tuition in UW is a concern, but I.have some(not full) scholarship from UW. UW is still $20K/year costlier.

Thanks

2

UCI offers two tracks for Biomedical engineering- BME and BMEP (pre med) - which one are you interested in?

3

I am interested in BME.

4

Biomedical Engineering is a very broad major- although both schools are great options, perhaps you can investigate what the profs at each school are doing for research and what interests you specifically. If you aren’t into, say, fluidics (no offense to fluidic afficionados) but that is the primary research opportunity, it could dissuade you from BME as a major. Look for your best interest match.

5

Stay in state – the lower tuition plus guaranteed slot in your major is the better option.

Bioengineering at UW is a very small program. The competition for the slots is fierce. You run a very real risk of not getting in.

6

Go with UCI, cheaper and you already got into the major.