UC Davis vs Cal Poly SLO for Engineering?

I'm a junior considering applying to UC Davis and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for engineering. Can someone help me compare these two schools in terms of their engineering programs, internships/job opportunities, and campus life?

Both UC Davis and Cal Poly SLO have excellent engineering programs. However, they differ in their approaches to education and focus.

Engineering Programs:

UC Davis follows a more traditional research-oriented curriculum, providing a well-rounded theoretical foundation for engineering. It offers a variety of engineering majors like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and more. Being part of the larger University of California system, UC Davis has access to extensive research opportunities and funding.

Cal Poly SLO follows the "Learn by Doing" philosophy, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical application of engineering concepts. With this approach, Cal Poly SLO graduates are known for being workplace-ready. The school also has a wide range of engineering majors available.

Internships/Job Opportunities:

UC Davis has strong ties with tech companies in Silicon Valley and the nearby Sacramento area, offering numerous internship and job opportunities. Its research focus means students have the potential to get involved in research projects that can bolster their CVs.

Cal Poly SLO, on the other hand, boasts a solid industry reputation due to its practical approach to education. As a result, its graduates typically have a high job placement rate, with companies actively recruiting on-campus. Proximity to the Bay Area also provides access to internships and job openings.

Campus Life:

The campus environment and cities they are located in also differ considerably. UC Davis is a larger campus with a slightly larger student population. It is located in Davis, a quintessential college town with bike-friendly streets and a strong sense of community.

Cal Poly SLO is situated in San Luis Obispo, offering an ideal balance between a small-town atmosphere and access to outdoor activities with its proximity to the beach and mountains. The campus size is smaller, fostering a close-knit community.

In conclusion, if you prefer a more theoretical and research-oriented engineering education, UC Davis might be the better choice. If hands-on, practical learning and industry readiness are your priorities, consider Cal Poly SLO. Both campuses have unique environments, so it's essential to visit them and see which one feels like the ideal fit for you.