Anonymous wrote:Penn State is more well known than UVA. My west coast friends dont really care too much about UVA - for them - its just a state school

I am a VT alum, but this is just not true. Come on.

Did he tour both campuses? Attend admitted student days?

I think Penn State has a more widespread set of alumni, where UVA is very local. I'd go Penn State all the way.

If you choose Penn State and later change your major or plans for the future, missing out on the brand uptick you'd get from a UVA education wouldn't be immaterial.

Anonymous wrote:If you base the decision on campus hiring alone - in terms of # and diversity of companies hiring on campus - Penn State >>> UVA

Cite?

Anonymous wrote:Penn State is more well known than UVA. My west coast friends dont really care too much about UVA - for them - its just a state school

Nice try.

If you base the decision on campus hiring alone - in terms of # and diversity of companies hiring on campus - Penn State >>> UVA

Everyone knows UVA is superior, but Penn State is a fine school. Some prefer beer over wine.

This is daft.

Anonymous wrote:DC got into UVa ( in state) and Penn State ( safety) with merit - so tuition is roughly the same.

For STEM major - which school is better? DC’s school counsellor is recommending we seriously consider Penn State.

Any first hand experience at Penn State?

People here in NOVA are really in a bubble where they think the VA schools are always the best option for any kid. I think penn state and UVA would both be great and your kid should pick where they feel most drawn to/where they’d fit in best. There is no clear winner here. They’re both great options.

Where are these claims for the supposed rankings of engineering programs coming from? Is this USNWR?

Just reconnected with a California friend whose son did systems engineering at UVA and now has a great job. I don’t think there’s much to choose between PSU and UVA if cost is off the table tbh.

Personal preference although Penn State is recognized as the better school for engineering majors.

Nobody who knows higher education would look down on a Penn State University Park (main campus) student.

My reaction to one in OP's situation who chose Penn State over U Virginia would be that that person wanted a change in location, preferred a very large school, and probably is a major in engineering.

Anonymous wrote:I would let your kid decide.

Living in VA, I would assume your kid didn’t get into UVA if he went to Penn State.

+1

I would let your kid decide.

Living in VA, I would assume your kid didn’t get into UVA if he went to Penn State.

Anonymous wrote:Penn State is more well known than UVA. My west coast friends dont really care too much about UVA - for them - its just a state school

I’m from the Northeast and would not have known the difference between Penn State and UVA. Both are good state schools. I only learned recently that Wisconsin is also a good state school.

Most people know Berkeley, UCLA and UMich.