Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 13:51     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
So many great suggestions—thank you, everyone. It seems like all the schools mentioned offer strong engineering programs and friendly peer groups. It’s also really nice that there are so many options, each offering a different geographical experience. One more factor for us: DC loves food and cooks whenever he has time, so which campuses have good food—especially spicy food?
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 13:40     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Virginia Tech. My son graduated from Virginia Tech engineering. I was impressed by the career fair and recruiting. Also feel that the program was more applied than what my daughter saw in Cornell engineering (which leaned theoretical).


Thanks for the feedback! How’s the work–life balance? My son plays soccer with friends every day and is hoping for a balanced environment where people study hard but also enjoy healthy activities.


VT engineering, like many other engineering programs, is a grind.

This aspect might be why R-H and Mudd were among the suggestions you received. They have better balance than most engineering programs and a more supportive environment than most.


I have a DC at VT engineering and he doesn’t find it to be a “grind” at all. He loves the school, his professors, classmates, and all the fun activities available. He started school as an introvert and has come out of his shell so much, trying new things all the time. Highly recommended VT.
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 12:20     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:Purdue, Washington state, uiuc, vtech


Guessing this reference is to the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, known for it's engineering programs, rather than Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, WA. Friends with several UW engineers who believe their education launched them into good careers. They were also in state and pleased with the cost savings.
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 11:51     Subject: Re:Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:Take a look at WPI -- could be a good fit for what you're describing.

If he's interested in a big state flagship / college town experience, take a look at Wisconsin-Madison. Their new engineering complex won't be ready until 2028 but the programs are well regarded.

Minnesota twin cities, too -- he'd get merit $ there, as well.


+1 for the above suggestions. The toughest part about finding engineering programs is the targets/safeties. It's so ridiculously competitive, and if your in-state flagship isn't a viable option, it makes it particularly tough. Some of my kid's targets were UMD, WI, & CU Boulder. Others to explore are RIT, Pitt, McGill, U Delaware, Lehigh
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 10:32     Subject: Re:Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Take a look at WPI -- could be a good fit for what you're describing.

If he's interested in a big state flagship / college town experience, take a look at Wisconsin-Madison. Their new engineering complex won't be ready until 2028 but the programs are well regarded.

Minnesota twin cities, too -- he'd get merit $ there, as well.
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 01:42     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
UMd!
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 00:00     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:Have you considered Georgia Tech. my DC is a sophomore this year and loves it. he and all if his roommates all have had research opportunities on campus since their second semester of freshman year. They offer many different clubs and activities on campus- have a fun football program to follow. They also have many building teams to join- robojackets; Hi Tech; Formula One; Solar car. It is ranked 3rd nationally…but is a great bargain at $55k a year (most tops programs are $80k a year). You should definitely take a look at what they offer! Good luck!


That's no secret. Around 60,000 applying OOS there. Tough admit for OOS. Last cycle 9% OOS Acceptance rate and low for Engineering majors. But, yes of course it's great if you can get in.
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 22:52     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:Have you considered Georgia Tech. my DC is a sophomore this year and loves it. he and all if his roommates all have had research opportunities on campus since their second semester of freshman year. They offer many different clubs and activities on campus- have a fun football program to follow. They also have many building teams to join- robojackets; Hi Tech; Formula One; Solar car. It is ranked 3rd nationally…but is a great bargain at $55k a year (most tops programs are $80k a year). You should definitely take a look at what they offer! Good luck!


Yes, we did. We will try but we were also told it’s competitive for OOS students. Thanks for the feedback—Georgia Tech sounds like an awesome school for builders!
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 22:45     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Have you considered Georgia Tech. my DC is a sophomore this year and loves it. he and all if his roommates all have had research opportunities on campus since their second semester of freshman year. They offer many different clubs and activities on campus- have a fun football program to follow. They also have many building teams to join- robojackets; Hi Tech; Formula One; Solar car. It is ranked 3rd nationally…but is a great bargain at $55k a year (most tops programs are $80k a year). You should definitely take a look at what they offer! Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 21:15     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Virginia Tech. My son graduated from Virginia Tech engineering. I was impressed by the career fair and recruiting. Also feel that the program was more applied than what my daughter saw in Cornell engineering (which leaned theoretical).


Thanks for the feedback! How’s the work–life balance? My son plays soccer with friends every day and is hoping for a balanced environment where people study hard but also enjoy healthy activities.


VT engineering, like many other engineering programs, is a grind.

This aspect might be why R-H and Mudd were among the suggestions you received. They have better balance than most engineering programs and a more supportive environment than most.


I see. :-/
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 21:11     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:Maybe University College London would be a candidate also. It has the same housing challenge as any university in London.


Will have a look. Thanks!
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 21:10     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Virginia Tech. My son graduated from Virginia Tech engineering. I was impressed by the career fair and recruiting. Also feel that the program was more applied than what my daughter saw in Cornell engineering (which leaned theoretical).


Thanks for the feedback! How’s the work–life balance? My son plays soccer with friends every day and is hoping for a balanced environment where people study hard but also enjoy healthy activities.


DP. My DC is having a wonderful time at VT and has friends across all majors, not just engineering. His girlfriend and roommates are liberal arts majors. There are so many activities to be involved with, to include club and/or intramural soccer. Highly recommend.


Awesome!
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 21:10     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:just google or look up best engineering school and their admit rates. For publics, makes sure you know their OOS admit rates.


There are a few schools our counselor suggested, but I’m not sure if they’re a good fit since they seem small—Olin, Harvey Mudd, and Rose-Hulman. We’re also considering OxBridge, Imperial College London. DC wants to meet people beyond just engineering types.


Since UK schools are on your list, maybe also look at Bristol and Edinburgh.

Imperial is the MIT of the UK, but be mindful that housing in London is pricey and university housing usually is not available after the freshman year.


Thanks. I heard of University of Bath as well. UK colleges are a great option because DC is a hardcore Manchester City fan.
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 20:36     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Virginia Tech. My son graduated from Virginia Tech engineering. I was impressed by the career fair and recruiting. Also feel that the program was more applied than what my daughter saw in Cornell engineering (which leaned theoretical).


Thanks for the feedback! How’s the work–life balance? My son plays soccer with friends every day and is hoping for a balanced environment where people study hard but also enjoy healthy activities.


DP. My DC is having a wonderful time at VT and has friends across all majors, not just engineering. His girlfriend and roommates are liberal arts majors. There are so many activities to be involved with, to include club and/or intramural soccer. Highly recommend.
Anonymous
Post 01/07/2026 20:34     Subject: Help me find the right school fit with strong career or pre-professional pathways for engineering programs.
Maybe University College London would be a candidate also. It has the same housing challenge as any university in London.