<p>I want to major in engineering - most likely bio/biomed engineering or computer science/engineering. The University of Washington is ranked #10 for undergrad BME and #18 for undergrad CS. Of course schools like Stanford are ranked above, so I would choose to go there if I got in. However, if I got in would it be worth it to go to a lower ranked school like Harvard or Princeton for the experience and connections or would it be better for me to go to the University of Washington?</p>
<p>If you are referring to the graduate rankings, it really is irrelevant what the ranking is. For an undergraduate degree, if you are in an ABET accredited program for engineering (not computer science), then you can get a fine education. Base your choice on other factors including finances (which will be more affordable for your family) and fit (do you like the school and feel comfortable there). Any one of the programs will give you all the opportunities that you need to build networks, obtain internships, and get research experience in case you want to go to graduate school.</p>
<p>In the specific case of Washington, be aware that the CS major is highly impacted. If you are not directly admitted to the CS major as a frosh, you would have to face a highly competitive admission process to get into the CS major later. (Some other majors may have similar impaction issues.)</p>
<p>Washington is an excellent school for CS and engineering, but the impaction issue should be considered if you are admitted to the school but not directly into the major.</p>
<p>This in my mind is the biggest drawback to UW engineering and CS. If you aren’t directly admitted, and I’m not certain that they direct admit anyone, you chance never getting admitted to your preferred major, even after you’ve spent a whole year there.</p>
<p>I looked at UW a few years ago and that was the biggest turn off to the school. Not getting directly admitted to your major means your time there could be a total waste of time and money, especially if you were out of state paying out of state fees. </p>
When it comes to undergraduate engineering, rankings alone are about as useful as used dishwater.
OMG, @LakeWashington, I hope you are right! That has to be the best comment ever! Haha, I’m taking that attitude and not worrying about the ranking of the school I’m going to (it’s on page 24 of the US News rankings and isn’t even ranked) but from looking at the school and reviews of it, it seems to have a very strong program in AeroE, my intended major. Now, if I go on to grad school, I will probably consider trying for something higher, but for right now, I’ve going to where I can get in and where the big scholarship money is.
Just make sure that the program is accredited by ABET.
“where I can get in and where the big scholarship money is.” - Good decision (assuming it is ABET).
@colorado_mom, @xraymancs, yes, the college is ABET accredited. It’s a state university. The interesting thing is that the AeroE has its whole own department; it isn’t under the general college of engineering.
Wise decision. Your curiosity and drive are more important than the name of your school. Good luck in your endeavor.