<p>The name says it all. Both are on my list, but I want to reduce the list a bit. </p>
<p>I like Bradley because it has many options and concentrations with the mechanical engineering major (which is the major I intend to pursue), the smaller size, and (through some research) its return on investment. </p>
<p>I like Marquette because it has a well established cooperative education program (as far as I know; please correct me if I am wrong!) and the opportunities it has for research. The one thing that is keeping me away from it is its religious affiliation. I am not overly religious, since I am a very science-minded person. To my understanding, school's religious affiliation is very strong and I am concerned about the effects it might have on me as a student there. I am not a fan of its theology and humanities requirements, either.</p>
<p>Basically, I'm looking for some people who would be able to defend either of these schools. I want to get some more information and opinions from others before I make any decisions. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Oh, I should also add Iowa State University on to this. I like the university, again because it has a good amount of research activity, has a very reputable engineering program, and is fairly close to where I live. But I’m not a fan of the huge enrollment size, since I’m looking for mainly smaller schools.</p>
<p>If I were to keep one of these three schools, Bradley University, Marquette University, or Iowa State University, which one would it be, and why? Thanks again!</p>
<p>We are only familiar with Bradley of the three you mentioned and that was only from a short campus visit years ago. Bradley definitely had a personalized, warm, welcoming feel to it. Have you considered other small midwest schools like Case Western or Rose Hulman? Or have you considered honors programs in some of the larger universities?</p>
<p>Very familiar with Iowa State, son goes there and know lots of current students and alums, young ones and old ones.</p>
<p>Engineering program is large. Mechanical engineering is the largest major at Iowa State. About 20% of Iowa State’s degrees granted are in engineering and a large % are in other STEM fields. Lots of opportunities for research and practical experience for ME majors…PrISUm solar car team, Baja Cyclone Racing team, Cyclone Power Pullers…Google them to read about them. I’m not sure that the other schools have those types of opportunities. Iowa State also has a huge engineering career fair.</p>
<p>I knew quite a few Bradley grads from Caterpillar. Good people. Campus is ok in a not so great part of Peoria.</p>
<p>I personally prefer the large research universities. They have some much going on and so many clubs and activities to participate in. If you don’t want a large university or are not interested in the rah-rah sports culture, then Iowa State might not be for you. Iowa State’s engineering program also has a bit of a weed out culture, with a ‘only the strong survive’ mentality. About 2000 frosh will start with engineering but only around 1400 or so will probably graduate in engineering. The people that I know with ISU engineering degrees are all very successful.</p>
<p>@mybstnw. I will be applying to both Case Western and Rose-Hulman, funny you should mention them. I visited CWRU last week, and loved it.</p>
<p>@Haystack. It seems like there is a lot of opportunity at ISU. My biggest aversion to all of that: it is large, with a lot of opportunity, but do I really have much of a chance to stand out? In such a big school, does it become so overwhelming that you are just another “face in the crowd” for professors and other students? Or do you get good individual attention (at least as much as possible) compared to other, smaller schools?</p>
<p>Are you an Iowa resident? Iowa State will probably be the most affordable school with good engineering programs for you. But if an intimate learning environment appeals you more than the other factors, you should consider Bradley. Bradley has only 3.4% of its classes with 50 or more students. Marquette has a little more big classes (12.4% with 50+). It is easy for Bradley engineering students to get paid internship at Caterpillar, a company very supportive of local education and development. The engineering education at Bradley is very practical and many students have good job offerings before graduation. The campus is small but neat. People are very friendly. If you have good stats you can get a good scholarship from Bradley. Maybe that’s why every year quite a few valedictorians from central Illinois choose to attend Bradley. Personally I think Bradley’s location is better than USC. It is in a typical city in the Midwest, larger than Ames and smaller than Milwaukee. A lot of Bradley students are from the suburbs of Chicago. Case will be more selective in admission. Rose-Hulman is a good choice, too, if the cost is not a problem.</p>
<p>The best students at places like Iowa State (and other research universities) make their own opportunities. They get involved early and often so that people do get to know them. Nobody will force you to be involved so it is possible to sit back and be another face in the crowd. Lots of people do that. If you don’t find it easy to ‘put yourself out there’ as a joiner/doer, then a research university is probably not the place for you. The rewards are great for those that do though.</p>
<p>@Bamboolong I am not an Iowa resident, but even without the in-state tuition, ISU is still very affordable. I would also qualify for the $8000/year scholarship that they have, which would be even more helpful. I do enjoy the more intimate learning environment, so I believe Bradley will be the way to go. I’m sure I can find other internships or co-ops even if Caterpillar doesn’t interest me.</p>
<p>@Haystack I do enjoy research universities because of their opportunities. I will definitely be taking the initiative to make opportunities for myself early on. With that being said, if you compared Iowa State to Case Western, for example, Case is obviously much smaller. If I attended Iowa, would there be so much competition that you almost have to fight your way through other like-minded people to get these opportunities? It seems at smaller research institutions, professors are willing and open to all students because they have that more intimate environment. </p>
<p>Seems like you’ve thought through the differences between a larger school vs. small. I wish one of us could answer your questions about Marquette. I’m a parent of a senior who is also sorting through her list of colleges. I’m wondering if you’d be willing to share your list with us and all of us in this thread can give you our perspective if you think it would be helpful. I, too, am an engineer. </p>
<p>@mybstnw Sure, I can share my list. I’ve decided to take Marquette off of my list, so that leaves me with nine schools that I am applying to. Here is the full list:</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon University
MIT
Caltech
Case Western Reserve University
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Kettering University
Bradley University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Iowa State University</p>
<p>Looks like a solid list. The list has reach schools and also includes a wide net. Not sure if you considered Northwestern or RPI in Troy NY which would be more in the middle. Regardless, best wishes on your school search!</p>