Choice for Engineering?
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Anonymous
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Accepted at Wisconsin, Ohio State, Colorado, Penn State, Florida and Maryland. Out of state for all, and with various merit, all are within $12k of each other.
Setting aside cost, thoughts for mech engineering? First choice, second choice please? Thanks! |
Anonymous
| P.S. I know that a few of these have progression to major (Wisconsin) or limited enrollment (UMD). Not ideal but something to consider. |
Anonymous
| It's May...haven't you already decided. |
Anonymous
| Most schools have pushed to May 15th due to FAFSA issues so still some time. |
Anonymous
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Maryland
Colorado Wisconsin But they will all be fine. I'd choose best fit. All the schools listed have well established mechanical engineering programs. |
Anonymous
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Boulder
Maryland Florida Wisconsin |
Anonymous
| The Ohio State- great engineering and happy kids there. |
Anonymous
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How does your student feel about location? The weather at Florida will be vastly different from the weather in Ohio or Wisconsin or Colorado. Does he really feel the same about fairly consistent summer weather as he does about freezing weather and different seasons?
How about big city (Columbus and Madison) vs. more of a smaller city/college town (Boulder and State College?) Has your student visited all of these schools? Gone to any of the admitted student events? |
Anonymous
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Penn State
Their alumni network is incredible. |
Anonymous
Well if they want a job. Any of the three below. Maryland Colorado Wisconsin Colorado has a huge job track to start ups for Engineering. Penn State after those. Ohio or UF hell to the no. UF alumni Eng and CS, so no one tell me I don't know what I am talking about. |
Anonymous
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A degree from any of those will be fine. Choose based on other criteria.
Big E School or smaller one ? Weather and geography ? Does each one offer DC’s intended engineering degree ? (For example, most will offer civil, electrical, & mechanical, but not all might also offer chemical, industrial, or aerospace) Logistical complexity/distance from home for move in/out ? Also, please go read the older thread “Engineering Degree” for a better understanding of how studying engineering is different from some other degrees This is useful both for students and parents. |
Anonymous
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For most universities and majors, despite frequent exceptions, the graduate is more likely to live within a couple state radius of the alma mater.
Regardless of where it would be fun to spend four years studying, does your child have any preference for where they want to live after graduation? Or what industry they'd like to work in? The schools listed are sufficiently distant from each other that post-grad location should be considered. |
Anonymous
Oh sage one, please anoint us in your wisdom regarding Ohio State and University of Florida. |
Anonymous
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OP here, thanks for the replies all, here is some quick info for those who asked:
Student is 3.9uw/4.8w/35ACT from MCPS. Is taking Physics C and Calc BC as a senior. His highest priority is to successfully manage his way through what is clearly a rigorous major at any school (Mech E). As of today in conversation with student: Wisconsin - lower on his list, concern is the 3.2 Mech progression GPA. He does not want to risk it and combined with cold weather, not so excited. Florida - did not have a great visit, they have tracking requirement, liked the weather, seemed heavy greek. Lower on the list. Ohio State - medium on the list, also a re-apply program. Colorado - definitely liked the outdoors vibe, and as a direct admit he just needs 2.0 and move on. Does not mean it is easier, but at least a lower threshold. Little concerned about party scene and what some friends have said is higher than expected drug culture. But he is definitely interested. Virginia Tech (not Penn State sorry) - also has threhold but seems more manageable. Maryland - has limited enrollment program. The kid will do the work, he just doesn't want an axe over his head first year of college - Colorado seems to avoid that a bit. He is on the wait list at Cal Poly, which seems cool but obviously means he would likely stay out there, tough for the parents. And thanks to one of PP for the idea for the other thread, I did find it. |
Anonymous
| And for the PP who asked - he prefers a place like Boulder, San Luis Obispo, less interested in Columbus or College Park as college towns. Thanks! |