UCSD vs Cal Poly SLO vs UCLA

c172pilot
Thu, 23 Mar 2017 19:24:38 +0000

Can’t comment on the nuclear engineering, other than it is an option for me as an MSEE student. So, mechanical or not, seems like you could pursue nuclear as a graduate student without a problem if you end up wanting that later.

Outside of that, I can say that everyone I’ve spoke to who knows someone or has been to UCSD echoes your comments. Not sure that the campus aesthetics are worth knocking, because I will tell you that most of Cal Poly’s buildings are old and ugly. As an ME you will most likely spend time in the newer buildings, though. Our EE buildings don’t even have air conditioning.

I know someone who went from Cal Poly to UCSD for their Master’s and they have said it’s night and day from Cal Poly. The culture is much worse at UCSD - partially for the reasons you already mentioned, like the professors not caring as much.

You haven’t listed any other factors that are important to you, such as cost of living or your preference of city vs small town living. There are many other things to consider.

As I’ve said in other posts, I turned down UCLA for Cal Poly and I wasn’t even waitlisted there. It was a tough decision, and while I still think about “what if…”, I am happy with my Cal Poly education and know I did much better here than I would have at UCLA. If prestige isn’t important to you, think about lifestyle. I think you will love the SLO area and Cal Poly. Also look up the past career fairs at both UCLA and Cal Poly, compare the companies in attendance, and see what the differences are and if you could envision yourself working at one of them.

Good luck.