I need help deciding between the University of Washington (Washington) and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)! If anyone has any personal experiences or insights about academics, student life, and opportunities at either school, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!
I can definitely provide some information on academics, student life, and opportunities at both schools to help you make a decision.
University of Washington (Washington)
Academics: UW is known for its strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, with top-ranking departments in computer science, engineering, and global health, among others. They also have strong programs in social sciences and the humanities.
Student life: UW has a large and diverse student body, which offers a wide range of clubs, activities, and events to get involved in. Seattle is a bustling city with a vibrant arts, culture, and tech scene. Keep in mind that the weather can be rainy and overcast at times.
Opportunities: Being located in Seattle, UW students have access to numerous internships and jobs with major tech and startup companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. Collaboration and research opportunities are abundant across various disciplines.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Academics: Cal Poly is known for its hands-on approach to learning. This school is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, and business, with an emphasis on practical experience.
Student life: Cal Poly has a smaller student body compared to UW, which can lead to more of a sense of a close-knit community. San Luis Obispo is a charming college town with beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for an outdoorsy person who enjoys activities like hiking and surfing.
Opportunities: Cal Poly emphasizes developing skills that are applicable in the workforce, and their strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs. The school has connections with many companies in the area, and their career fairs see a large number of employers come on campus for recruitment.
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