Well, you have a top-20 public (according to the US News methodology) university and a top-ten LAC. The rankings don’t matter so much, but rest assured, these are both quality schools.
General LAC advantages:
- Smaller classes
- Greater access to professors
- 100% emphasis on undergrads
- Fewer (or no) TAs
General university advantages:
- More majors and classes from which to choose
- More national and international name recognition
- More research opportunities and, since they tend to be in cities moreso than LACs, more internship opportunities. (though that depends on location and research expenditure, of course…)
There are other differences, like campus size and anonymity, but those can be seen (widely) as pros and cons by different people.
I think you should look really hard at the 3-2 program at CMC – scrutinize it. What are the requirements?
And at UCSD, what hoops would you have to jump through to to switch to Engineering?
Try to find the better fit, based on several categories:
Financial - CMC appears to have the edge, but try to figure in the Engineering cost of the 3-2 program.
Academic - Once you have the 3-2 answers at CMC and the likelihood of being able to switch to Eng at UCSD – and taking general LAC/U differences into account – you will know which is the better academic fit.
Social/Cultural – Party scene, school spirit, things to do.
Dorms/Food
Environment & Logistics
These are some things to consider to help you figure out which is the better option.
And if you haven’t already, try to visit both, and factor that experience in as well.