Schools of Engineering in California Recommendations?

I'm interested in studying engineering in college and was wondering what are some great engineering schools in California. I want to major in mechanical or electrical engineering, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the choices!

California indeed has several excellent engineering schools, ranging from large public universities to smaller private institutions. Let's talk through some of them.

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's College of Engineering is renowned for its strength in a variety of engineering disciplines, including both mechanical and electrical. The program touts a focus on innovation and collaboration, where students have numerous opportunities to engage in research, entrepreneurial efforts, and project-based learning.

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech is a smaller school known for its rigor and focus on STEM fields. Its engineering programs are top-notch, attracting many ambitious students interested in mechanical or electrical engineering. Keep in mind the student body size is relatively small, fostering significant interaction with faculty and deep learning experiences.

3. Stanford University: Stanford's School of Engineering is renowned globally, and its programs in mechanical and electrical engineering are top-tier. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to explore their interests beyond their core concentration.

4. University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego): UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering offers strong mechanical and electrical engineering programs. The school's emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit helps students gain practical, real-world experience.

5. University of Southern California (USC): USC's Viterbi School of Engineering provides a solid grounding in mechanical and electrical engineering, with significant research opportunities. USC's location in Los Angeles might also offer unique internship opportunities in a variety of industries.

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering is another strong choice, boasting rigorous programs in both mechanical and electrical engineering. UCLA's engineering school provides plenty of interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with other academic departments.

Keep in mind, that you should consider other factors than just the academic strength of the program: location, size, culture, and cost of the universities can dramatically impact your college experience. I would recommend taking a closer look at each of these options to find the right fit for your personal and academic needs.