Advice on major and engineering school...

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I'm considering ChemE, EE, Engineering physics and Physics as prospective majors. My options are: Georgia Tech, MIT, Stanford and Purdue, UCB. I'm also planning to do graduate work if possible. </p>

<p>What would you choose? Why?</p>

<p>Here are some things I have gathered from each schools: MIT is more grade deflated, but also I find it a really good fit. Stanford is grade inflated but seems not nerdy enough for me. I don't really know anything about Georgia Tech, Purdue and UCB. Financial aid wise, I will have to pay about the same everywhere, except UCB/Purdue b/c out of state.</p>

<p>Also, which engineering major is more theoretical, such has looks more like a pure physics major?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>(Disclaimer: I'm an MIT alum)</p>

<p>Yes, it's tough to get good grades at MIT, but grad schools do take that into account, and MIT engineering departments tend to preferentially take their own undergrads into grad programs (though I don't know about chemE specifically). If you're a geek, you'll probably like MIT culture. :p</p>

3

<p>I could tell you what I chose, but that's what was right for me, and probably not what's right for you. Honestly, you're not going to lose much in terms of quality at any of those schools. A good GPA and research from any of those schools would get you into any graduate school. Just visit and see which culture feels right to you.</p>

<p>As for theoretical, ChE is theoretical, but not as much physics as EE or (obviously) Physics. </p>

<p>I'm surprised GT and MIT cost about the same - MIT must have given you a nice grant (the primary choice for me for undergrad was based on finances).</p>

4

<p>Well, finaid have not come yet but those are based on estimates. GT is instate, and I have scholarships to cover the gaps.</p>

5

<p>"Georgia Tech, MIT, Stanford and Purdue, UCB"</p>

<p>Given these choices, I see no reason to pay MORE for UCB and Purdue (assuming the other do end up coming out to be around where your estimates are). From what you said, it seems like MIT is a good fit, but I would visit the campus for sure before you make your decision.</p>

6

<p>well faraday, it really depends on the capacitance of your... i don't know where i'm going with this. i just wanted to make a farad joke (which is incredibly sad)</p>

7

<p>well faraday, it really depends on the capacitance of your wallet... wow. did i really just look for an excuse to make a farad joke... what is wrong with me?!</p>

8

<p>No. I'll just need to increase to increase voltage a bit, and I can handle heavy charges :D</p>

9

<p>i didnt think the first one posted...</p>

10

<p>
[quote]
Well, finaid have not come yet but those are based on estimates. GT is instate, and I have scholarships to cover the gaps.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Georgia Tech should be free with HOPE. MIT would run $100,000 even with a 50% scholarship.</p>

11

<p>For MIT, they give I think pretty hefty grants if you income is below 50K.</p>

12

<p>Least theoretical to most theoretical: ChemE(?), EE, EP, Physics</p>

<p>(I have taken many classes in all of these except for ChemE. Feel free to PM me any specific questions.)</p>

13

<p>
[quote]
For MIT, they give I think pretty hefty grants if you income is below 50K.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>At MIT these days, if your family income is below 70K and your family has "typical assets", your tuition is fully covered by grants.</p>

14

<p>MIT or Stanford... and money would decide for me.</p>

<p>Man, I wish I had that choice.</p>

15

<p>i could teach you some theoretical physics. It's just theories ain't it.</p>

16

<p>"i could teach you some theoretical physics. It's just theories ain't it. " Could you enlighten me on how this comment is relevant to my original question? Physics jokes are OK, but I have a hard time perceiving humor here ... I guess I'm slightly blunt.</p>

17

<p>Stanford has a large, strong EE dept. Its physics and chemE depts are much smaller. So MIT might be better if you're into those.</p>

18

<p>MIT's EE program is the top program there. It's arguably the top program of any engineering program in the world (if there was a way to rank across programs).</p>

19

<p>i was just trying to say if your more into the conceptual aspect of things i think physics would be your favorite. If your smart enough to get through college in that major you won't have any trouble finding work or a graduate school in whatever field you want.</p>