Cal Poly vs UC Riverside: Engineering program comparison

Hello everyone! I've been admitted into the engineering programs at Cal Poly and UC Riverside, and I've been wondering how they stack up against each other. Can anyone speak to their experiences in the engineering programs at these schools, regarding things like hands-on projects, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and job prospects? Thanks so much!

Congratulations on your admissions to both Cal Poly and UC Riverside! Both schools have reputable engineering programs, but they differ in several aspects.

Cal Poly is quite well-known for its "Learn by Doing" approach. This hands-on philosophy is evident in their engineering curriculum, where you'll find ample opportunities for projects and collaboration with classmates. Apart from theory, you'll gain practical experience meant to prepare you for your future career. Additionally, Cal Poly has a strong reputation in the industry - employers typically highly regard graduates from their engineering programs due to their experience applying their knowledge.

Moreover, Cal Poly students tend to speak highly of the faculty mentorship they have access to, as the smaller class sizes and focus on undergraduates allow for more personal, direct relationships with professors. Research opportunities, however, may not be as abundant as at UC Riverside, since Cal Poly does not focus heavily on higher-level research.

On the other hand, UC Riverside, as a part of the University of California system, tends to have a stronger emphasis on research. Research opportunities may be more readily available to you at UC Riverside than at Cal Poly, given its focus on advancing knowledge in various fields. Many undergraduates have the chance to engage in research projects, either independently or in collaboration with faculty members.

Faculty mentorship at UC Riverside varies, however. It has a greater student-to-faculty ratio compared to Cal Poly, so your relationships with your professors might be less personal, especially early on in your studies. That being said, your experience will mainly depend on the effort you put into building those connections, as if you make the effort to reach out to the professors, they are known for being highly invested in helping students succeed.

Job prospects for both schools are quite good. UC Riverside may have a slight advantage, however, as its Bourns College of Engineering has strong industry connections, and the school organizes various job fairs, internships, and networking events, which can lead to more exposure to potential employment opportunities.

In summary, if you prefer hands-on learning and smaller class sizes, Cal Poly might be a better fit for you. But if conducting research is a top priority for you, then UC Riverside could be the right choice. Both schools have strong job prospects, so ultimately, consider which environment and approach to learning you prefer, as well as other factors like location and campus life, as those intangibles will also influence your ability to thrive in college and take full advantage of your school' resources. Best of luck with your decision!