The thread on CWRU, Pitt, and Purdue (Making a decision: CWRU, Pitt, Purdue [materials science and engineering] - #2 by Creekland) makes me want to ask this question.
Although we are still waiting on a bunch of other decisions, my kid has early action acceptances from Pitt, Binghamton, and can reasonably expect an acceptance from Rutgers’ not-so-early early action (I understand that nothing is guaranteed). We are in NJ, so Rutgers is our in-state option, but surprisingly to me the merit offers from Pitt and Binghamton have come in to make the costs comparable among all three. Kid is interested in Math and Chemistry, but not single-mindedly.
We are most familiar with Rutgers - gigantic, disorganized, but also somehow democratic and inspiring in its variety and diversity. Programs here might have more depth because of their size and numbers of faculty, but also face the getting lost in the crowd factor. The variety of honors programs is another wild card.
Pitt and Binghamton were thrown in primarily because they were good schools with early action, but now that they are cost-comparable, it would be good to know more.
Pitt has the desirable location and good word-of-mouth. I know a couple of families whose kids chose Pitt over Rutgers and are happy. Pitt has impressed with their organized communication and presentation. Those complaining about the Pitt portal should try Rutgers! But I don’t have much information on the relative strength of the Sciences there. I’m sure they are good, but how good?
Bing has also been a very positive application process. The smaller size and undergraduate focus of Bing are appealing, but does this limit research opportunities for students as they progress? Bing has a high reputation that seems not to extend far beyond New York state. Wondering about that as a factor as well.
We have done drive-throughs of the campuses a bit before serious college touring began. Spring visits/accepted student days might come into play if the more rejective reaches reject.
Anyway, these are three state schools that seem to be roughly equivalent in level and reputation, but going about it in very different ways and providing very different experiences. Any insight on how to choose among them would be much appreciated.