lumps2008

So. I have narrowed down my choices to UCSD or Occidental (three two program, 3 at Oxy, the transfer to either Columbia or Caltech). I got a really good scholarship from Oxy so the tuition for both is about the same. Both campuses I like, but because i come from a small school, I know that the transition from classes of a max of 16 to classes of a couple hundred but i also know that the three-two program is really hard and tough. Just by looking at the academics and the chemical engineering program, which would you choose? Can you give me some advice on choosing?

jmilton90

can you maintain the gpa requirement? that is the question

Japher

I would be worried about the core curricula being strong enough at a liberal college to support a chemical engineering curriculum. Additionally, by the time you start your core studies (last 2 years) you'll want to have a pretty good routine. IMO, this routine will be tossed out the window if you have to switch schools.

Persoanlly, I'd go with UCSD.

lumps2008

yea..thats what i was thinking but ive heard that UCSD has a good engineering school but doesnt really have a strong chemical engineering department. But for the 3/2 at Oxy, its just basically have a minor in chemistry and then transfer to Caltech to become a chemical engineer. I've talked to people within the 3/2 program and there are people that have a 3.6 and 3.8 that were able to transfer to Caltech that went to my high school (had similar GPA to me), so i think i would be able to maintain a high enough GPA if i work really hard.

jmilton90

then stick to your guns and get the Caltech degree. Because in my book Caltech chemical engineering is >> UCSD.