Choosing Cal Poly over UC Berkeley or UCLA: A Hands-On Learning Experience in Engineering and Design
College choice can be a daunting decision, especially when considering renowned institutions like California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. Each of these universities is recognized for its unique strengths and opportunities, but why would someone choose Cal Poly? Let's delve into the reasons behind my decision and the transformative educational experience it provided.
The Early Decision: Visiting Cal Poly's Poly Royal Open House
My journey to choosing Cal Poly began with a simple visit to their campus during their Poly Royal open house event. This event, known as Poly Royal, is a showcase of engineering, architecture, and environmental design programs, and it left a lasting impression on me. During this visit, I intuitively knew that Cal Poly was the right fit for me. Initially, it wasn't about the hands-on nature or the rigorous academic environment, but rather the way the university's reputation and program offerings aligned with my long-term goals.
A Hands-On Educational Approach
What truly set Cal Poly apart was its hands-on learning approach. The school emphasizes that for every hour spent in lecture, students spend three hours in lab, fostering a deeply practical educational experience. This unique ratio played a significant role in allowing me to complete my degree. As someone with an undiagnosed learning disability, the structured and efficient hands-on learning method at Cal Poly was instrumental in my success.
The Evolution of Cal Poly's Reputation in the 1970s
Attending Cal Poly in the early to mid-1970s coincided with a period of significant growth and recognition for the school. Witnessing the rapid development of its architecture and environmental design programs was both exhilarating and motivating. The third-generation background in construction that I came from made California the perfect place for college. Among the many choices, USC and Berkeley were simply too expensive to consider, and so Cal Poly offered a perfect blend of affordability and excellence.
The Impact of Cal Poly on My Life
My education at Cal Poly was nothing short of transformative. The school's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge that have shaped my career for over four decades. The experience was not just academic but also personal, as I made numerous friends and developed a deep passion for challenges and problem-solving. Most importantly, it laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in engineering, a field that continues to bring joy and satisfaction.
The Location Advantage
The school's location in San Luis Obispo, California, contributed significantly to my college experience. The town's rich history as one of the original California mission cities, combined with its small-town charm and proximity to beaches and mountains, created a unique and inspiring setting for education and personal development. The year-round pleasant weather added to the overall enjoyable experience.
Present Recognition of Cal Poly
Today, Cal Poly's reputation for excellence in architecture education has only grown stronger. For the past decade, the school has been consistently ranked among the top five in the nation for architecture education. This is not just because of its reputation but because of the deep integration of the "learn by doing" philosophy into its curriculum. This hands-on approach ensures that students are fully prepared for the rigors of a career in architecture. Nothing can provide better preparation than the structured work ethic and learning process provided by Cal Poly.
As someone who has seen Cal Poly evolve and thrive over the years, I remain deeply grateful for the impactful and life-changing experience it provided. For anyone considering engineering or design, a visit to Poly Royal is highly recommended to experience the hands-on learning culture firsthand.