Electrical/Mechanical Engineering at UVA & VT – How Are the Job Prospects?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Been at VT Engineering and GMU; have friends from UVA.

If you are looking at: Job Prospects neither VT or UVA will give you a leg up. Interviewed kids from both and VT/UVA gets them in the door but other things take over after that. Never said no because the person went to XYZ. Only time I looked up the ranking was if it's from a school I haven't heard about. Those LACs - I needed to look those up. In this area who looks: UVA or VT? Who says no to UVA because VT is #13?

If you want a job before you graduate (and ignore rankings and long-term opportunities) then GMU is your best bet. 4 years of Co-Op/Internship at the firms surrounding Fairfax beats 4 years at a cafeteria/bookstore.

Trust me 2 years of CoOp (as a part-time Sys/DBA Admin) landed me a whole bunch of offers after graduation. Even had one that would've made me move to NY to work at a Wall Street Data Center. Govt contracting (it is the DMV) being the other offers. My friends at the other schools finally got offers but they went through the wait game.

You think the VT and UVA kids are getting jobs at bookstores? What about the post where someone listed the top firms where UVA students did internships? I'm sure VT's looks similar because the majority of students are in Virginia.

Nope - Internships are not through out the year unless you take time off. They are not real jobs - they are internships. During the year - UVA/VA Tech work on-campus which is limited;

GMU students have the opportunity to hold real jobs that are part-time or full-time throughout the year.

So - when you are referred to as the "intern from ..." vs "he's completing his degree at ..."; huge difference. You are pretty much have a guaranteed job from that company. Like I said are you happy with a little fish or going after a whale?

That's incorrect. I don't think you have a student at VT or UVA if you think this. Students aren't limited to work study type jobs. They can definitely get tech and research jobs during the year.

Went to VT and had a sibling at UVA. Research jobs for undergraduates are not that many those go to Grad Students. Looks like I hit a nerve. Chill - every school has its pluses and minuses. Since the OP asked about Job Prospects - I replied with what I thought was most important criteria.

If I say GMU is nearer DC you will reply with the NOVA Grad Center. GMU's major advantage to all other VA schools is the proximity to DC - hands down. Don't go down the hole that there are more jobs in Blacksburg than NoVa. NoVa can employ all of GMU's population and more. Blacksburg cannot. Charlottesville cannot. I can make a better argument for you - Remote Work.

VT & UVA already dominate otherwise in so many areas why try to win the proximity to DC part?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

[Anonymous]

Students in demanding majors don’t have time for demanding jobs during the school year if they want to focus on academics and keep their grades up. So I don’t see much advantage to being close to urban centers.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

Anecdotal

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

If you want to argue that VT and UVA attract equally strong academic students, present evidence instead of personal attacks. If you’re the PP, then you've now shifted from “some might prefer VT” to “some choose VT, some choose UVA”, which is a completely different argument. Your original statement suggested uncertainty about a minority preference for VT. Now you're implying it's roughly equal, which contradicts the admission statistics and rankings. Calling me a troll doesn't change the fact that you've moved the goalposts rather than addressing the logical inconsistency I pointed out.

[Anonymous]

Okay, besides the debate over VT/UVA, is a degree in electrical engineering employable these days? With all the lay-offs in tech sector especially CS, my DD is considering switching to EE or civil.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

Anecdotal

Of course it's anecdotal! They explicitly wrote it's their personal experience raising kids in NOVA. But anecdotal evidence from someone with direct exposure to the relevant population isn't meaningless. It's consistent with the objective data about admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings that show UVA generally attracts stronger students. When someone's personal observations align with measurable trends, dismissing it as anecdotal misses the point. The question isn't whether PP’s experience is statistically significant, but whether it reflects the broader pattern that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students outside of VT engineering.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

Anecdotal

Of course it's anecdotal! They explicitly wrote it's their personal experience raising kids in NOVA. But anecdotal evidence from someone with direct exposure to the relevant population isn't meaningless. It's consistent with the objective data about admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings that show UVA generally attracts stronger students. When someone's personal observations align with measurable trends, dismissing it as anecdotal misses the point. The question isn't whether PP’s experience is statistically significant, but whether it reflects the broader pattern that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students outside of VT engineering.

Great. I know tons of kids that chose VT over UVA.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

If you want to argue that VT and UVA attract equally strong academic students, present evidence instead of personal attacks. If you’re the PP, then you've now shifted from “some might prefer VT” to “some choose VT, some choose UVA”, which is a completely different argument. Your original statement suggested uncertainty about a minority preference for VT. Now you're implying it's roughly equal, which contradicts the admission statistics and rankings. Calling me a troll doesn't change the fact that you've moved the goalposts rather than addressing the logical inconsistency I pointed out.

Some choose JMU. Some choose Bridgewater College.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

Anecdotal

Of course it's anecdotal! They explicitly wrote it's their personal experience raising kids in NOVA. But anecdotal evidence from someone with direct exposure to the relevant population isn't meaningless. It's consistent with the objective data about admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings that show UVA generally attracts stronger students. When someone's personal observations align with measurable trends, dismissing it as anecdotal misses the point. The question isn't whether PP’s experience is statistically significant, but whether it reflects the broader pattern that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students outside of VT engineering.

Great. I know tons of kids that chose VT over UVA.

Sure you do. An anecdotal answer can be useful when backed up by statistics or other provable information, but worthless when referencing personal experience that contradicts statistics or other measurable data. Guess which one your answer is?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

+1. NOVA family with kid at UMD engineering. WL at UVA. Didn't even bother applying to VT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA is the better choice. Many kids change major and some get weeded out from engineering. Plus kids can get a minor or two in other subject areas that will complement the engineering degree (Econ/finance)

If the choice is between UVA and VT for engineering, then fit should definitely be the deciding factor. Even though VT is a better engineering school, the difference probably isn't significant enough to make a difference in the long run. UVA is the better option if the student isn't completely locked in on engineering and might switch majors. VT's strengths and reputation are built on engineering, whereas UVA is a much better all around school. My kid's high school is a top feeder to both schools, and I don't know anyone who chooses VT over UVA, but according to DCUM it does happen.

You could also look at Georgia Tech and Purdue as stronger engineering options than either VT or UVA. Purdue's OOS tuition will likely be cheaper than UVA's in-state tuition, and GT will be competitive. Of course, out of state brings its own challenges, and these schools lean into STEM even more than VT.

Don’t be obtuse, of course some kids prefer VT over UVA. It’s really not that big of a deal.

I agree that many kids might prefer VT over UVA for engineering. But it's highly doubtful that there is a meaningful number of kids who choose VT over UVA for business or liberal arts.

Guess what? It’s not just engineering kids. Some kids prefer VT, period. You don’t know how many kids opt out of applying to uva altogether because it’s not the right fit for everyone. Just like some kids don’t bother applying to VT.

Academic focused kids choose UVA.

Wow, you really are obtuse. If you were academically inclined you would know some academic kids prefer VT. It’s okay, really.

Your response essentially agrees with me - do you realize that? The fact that "some" academic students might choose VT for specific programs doesn't negate the fact that UVA is the preferred destination for high-achieving students overall. Calling me obtuse for stating the obvious, that UVA is superior to VT, was unwarranted, especially when this conclusion is supported by objective measures like admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings across most disciplines.

You are insufferable and probably a miserable person. Some kids, REGARDLESS of major, might prefer VT.

We agree and you're still insulting me. When you say “some” kids “might” prefer VT regardless of major, you're using two qualifiers that actually support my point. You're acknowledging that it's not only a minority (“some”) but also just a possibility (“might”), which not even a certainty. This essentially confirms that you agree that UVA is the preferred choice for most academically inclined students. The combination of “some” and “might” is so hedged it's not even a counter-argument. You're agreeing with me while simultaneously attacking me personally, which makes your response even more illogical.

You’re really not as smart as you think you are. Some academic kids choose VT, some academic kids choose UVA, regardless of major. Move on, troll.

New poster here. Raised the kids in NOVA. Honestly, I have never heard of a non-engineering student choosing Virginia Tech over UVA. Ever.

+1. NOVA family with kid at UMD engineering. WL at UVA. Didn't even bother applying to VT.

Why? Was there a particular reason?