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

[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?

Nice try. You can’t disprove my anecdote. See how that works? And actually, yes, I do know a lot of kids that chose VT over UVA. Eat $hit!

[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?

Nice try. You can’t disprove my anecdote. See how that works? And actually, yes, I do know a lot of kids that chose VT over UVA. Eat $hit!

You're right. I can't disprove your anecdote, just like you can't disprove mine. That's exactly why anecdotes without supporting evidence are worthless in any serious discussion. The difference is that some anecdotes align with measurable data while others don't. Your anecdote about kids choosing VT over UVA contradicts admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings, while the observations supporting that academic kids choose UVA over VT align with that same data. When you can't address that distinction and resort to name calling and ad hominem attacks, you've essentially conceded the argument. Thanks for proving my point over and over.

[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.

Why? Was there a particular reason?

Could never really get a straight answer. Dont think he cared much for Blacksburg and a couple of classmates that wanted to attend.

[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?

Nice try. You can’t disprove my anecdote. See how that works? And actually, yes, I do know a lot of kids that chose VT over UVA. Eat $hit!

You're right. I can't disprove your anecdote, just like you can't disprove mine. That's exactly why anecdotes without supporting evidence are worthless in any serious discussion. The difference is that some anecdotes align with measurable data while others don't. Your anecdote about kids choosing VT over UVA contradicts admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings, while the observations supporting that academic kids choose UVA over VT align with that same data. When you can't address that distinction and resort to name calling and ad hominem attacks, you've essentially conceded the argument. Thanks for proving my point over and over.

Keep on with your drivel lol you must really let VT live rent free in your head.

[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?

Nice try. You can’t disprove my anecdote. See how that works? And actually, yes, I do know a lot of kids that chose VT over UVA. Eat $hit!

You're right. I can't disprove your anecdote, just like you can't disprove mine. That's exactly why anecdotes without supporting evidence are worthless in any serious discussion. The difference is that some anecdotes align with measurable data while others don't. Your anecdote about kids choosing VT over UVA contradicts admission statistics, test scores, and academic rankings, while the observations supporting that academic kids choose UVA over VT align with that same data. When you can't address that distinction and resort to name calling and ad hominem attacks, you've essentially conceded the argument. Thanks for proving my point over and over.

Do you have a source suggesting test scores and rankings correlate to kids choosing one school versus another?

DP

[Anonymous]

I’m the “anecdotal” poster. My personal experience was in raising four kids in NOVA, where my period of having kids and their friends applying to colleges from one of the better public high schools spanned about a decade. It’s been awhile — it certainly wasn’t yesterday — but I honestly never heard of a single student choosing Tech over UVA for non-engineering. Two of my kids (oldest and youngest) applied to both schools, along with JMU and William & Mary, and both ended up at UVA. Of the four, they both ranked Tech at the bottom and UVA at the top. Both would have preferred JMU over Tech, although admittedly they would’ve been disappointed with either.

My other two kids did not apply to either UVA or Tech because one wanted a liberal arts college and another didn’t have the grades. The one who did not have the grades ended up at VCU; her roommate turned down Tech, incidentally, because she was a URM and felt more at home at VCU.

I actually know at least two UVA students who were friends with my kids who ended up transferring to VCU after their first year because they were more artsy than the typical UVA student and only went there because they got in felt compelled to go because they got in and it’s obviously more prestigious. They loved VCU and certainly didn’t regret transferring.

Tech has clearly gotten more selective in recent years and without question has surpassed at least JMU in the NOVA public school pecking order. And it’s a great school. But it’s just plain silly to argue that in the eyes of virtually all NOVA public high school students, particularly the higher achievers, UVA still remains well ahead of Tech in terms of desirability.

[Anonymous]

VT is ranked better than WM in USNWR

[Anonymous]

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)

All of this can (and does) happen at VT too. And there are far more majors (and minors) to choose from there if one decides to switch from engineering or add a complimentary minor.

[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.

+1
I always have to laugh when I see someone making that claim. Two of my kids - admitted to VT, W&M, and UVA - chose VT. And not for 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.

DP. Seriously? Wrong again.

[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.

+1
I always have to laugh when I see someone making that claim. Two of my kids - admitted to VT, W&M, and UVA - chose VT. And not for engineering.

That is not typical. Even you know it.

[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)

No. Folks in the engineering world know VT better. It's a better school for engineering.

The poster didn't write that UVA has better engineering, just that UVA is the better choice because if one decides engineering isn't their jam, the school offers stronger academics in other programs. I would add that some might also consider direct admit to major to be an advantage UVA's favor as well.

I completely disagree that UVA offers "stronger academics in other programs," but to each their own. And VT is all direct admit to major as well.
DP

[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?

You make a good point; however, this thread isn't about GMU at all.
DP

[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.

+1
This has been discussed so many times on this forum but there are some UVA boosters who absolutely refuse to acknowledge this.

[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.

Bless your heart!