Cal Poly Pomona vs other UCs for engineering?

I've heard good things about Cal Poly Pomona's engineering program, but I'm also considering other UCs like Berkeley and UCLA. How does Cal Poly Pomona stack up against these schools for a future engineering major?

Cal Poly Pomona does have a great engineering program and is renowned for its "learn by doing" philosophy. The university strongly emphasizes hands-on experience in engineering, which can be really beneficial for students looking to enter the workforce directly after graduation. Cal Poly Pomona offers bachelor’s degrees in areas such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and industrial engineering, to name a few. The school also promotes a cooperative education program that integrates classroom learning with professional work experience in engineering firms.

On the other hand, UC Berkeley and UCLA are also highly reputed for their engineering programs. UC Berkeley's Engineering school ranks among the top globally and is known for the rigor of its curriculum and the groundbreaking research conducted by its faculty. UCLA's engineering program also ranks highly with a strong focus on research. Both of these schools have vast alumni networks and connections with top engineering firms which can be advantageous when it comes to internships and job opportunities.

However, these schools have different approaches to education. While Cal Poly Pomona emphasizes hands-on, practical education, UCs tend to lean more towards theoretical learning, which could prepare you for graduate study if that's something you're considering. Also, remember that Berkeley and UCLA have more competitive admissions processes, so you'll need strong grades and test scores to get in.

It is important that you consider the fit: the location, the size of the school, class size, potential for research, on-campus resources, housing, the type of student body, and other factors. After all, your college experience will extend beyond just your academics. You should choose the school where you think you would be happiest and most successful.

Remember that engineering is a demanding course of study, no matter where you go, and all three of these schools offer quality engineering programs that will prepare you for a successful career in the field.