UCI vs Cal Poly SLO for engineering?

Hello, I've been accepted to both UCI and Cal Poly SLO for engineering and I'm having a hard time making a decision. My major is mechanical engineering. Can you all help me compare these two schools in terms of their engineering programs, campus atmosphere, and post-grad opportunities? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both UCI and Cal Poly SLO are excellent choices for mechanical engineering. I'll break down the comparison into three categories: engineering programs, campus atmosphere, and post-grad opportunities.

1. Engineering Programs:

UCI has a strong engineering program with a good balance of research and applied learning. If you're interested in research, UCI's research opportunities and facilities may stand out more. Cal Poly SLO, on the other hand, is known for its "learn by doing" approach, focusing on hands-on experience and preparing students for the job market. Cal Poly SLO's curriculum is designed to give you practical knowledge and experience, which can be beneficial when starting your career in engineering.

2. Campus Atmosphere:

UCI is located in Irvine, a city known for being safe and family-oriented. It has a more suburban feel, with a mix of on-campus housing and off-campus apartments. Cal Poly SLO's campus is in San Luis Obispo, a smaller town that has a cozy, college-town atmosphere. At UCI, you might find that there's a greater emphasis on diversity and a larger student body. Cal Poly SLO, on the other hand, is known for having a tight-knit community where students feel very connected to their peers and faculty.

3. Post-Grad Opportunities:

Both schools have strong connections to the engineering industry, and graduates from both institutions generally have positive job outcomes. Companies actively recruit from both UCI and Cal Poly SLO, so either school will provide good opportunities for jobs and internships. One advantage of Cal Poly SLO is the strong industry reputation it has built due to its application-focused curriculum. Graduating from Cal Poly SLO might give you an edge when seeking jobs as employers view their graduates as "job-ready."

Ultimately, the choice comes down to which school's environment and teaching style align better with your personal preferences. It would be a good idea to visit both campuses, if possible, to get a feel for each one before making your final decision.