<p>I've been starting college visits this week, mostly to state schools and some smaller, private universities close by. Many of them are completely in reach for me, so those I am not concerned about. However, I would like to apply to some reach schools, but I want it to be reasonable. One school I'm very interested in is Carnegie Mellon. Obviously, it is a very prestigious school that would benefit me very much. The one thing that concerns me with it is its price tag and the fact that they don't give out as much financial aid as other schools. I'm also looking at MIT, which is definitely a reach for anyone. </p>
<p>I could give my stats (what I have of them, at least. I'm a junior in high school right now, so I don't have many test scores yet), but I'm really interested in looking at the school's characteristics more. I plan to study either physics, mathematics, or mechanical engineering in college, whichever one I go to. Are each of these schools pretty similar for these programs, or is one better than the other? Also, how important is it that I go to a "prestigious" school for undergraduate? These schools are fantastic schools, but I don't want to spend more money than is realistic for my undergraduate education if it won't give me an inherent advantage in the workforce and/or for applying to graduate school. Of the schools I have seen so far (notably, University of Iowa, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and tomorrow, Illinois State University), I am very impressed. If these schools would prepare me just as equally as CMU or MIT, would it be worth it to wait until graduate school to think about applying to these schools?</p>
<p>Finally, the one thing that could also be a problem is which schools I will be able to visit. I will be visiting Carnegie Mellon this summer, but I'm not sure I will be able to visit MIT, since it is such a far distance from my home state (Illinois), and I will (hopefully) have a busy schedule this summer with an internship at a government laboratory. Would these be a problem? Are there any ways to experience MIT without having to travel halfway across the country? Would it be ok to apply to the school without having visited it? Any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>For engineering majors, the choice is typically between good and possibly better when comparing between different ABET-accredited degree programs. In the region you are looking at, have you considered Iowa State?</p>
<p>For physics, there can be somewhat greater variation, depending on what elective physics courses are available, and how frequently the core physics major courses are offered (some schools with few physics majors offer the core physics major courses only once every two years).</p>
<p>For math, there can also be greater variation, due to both size (which affects how many elective courses beyond the core math major courses are offered) and emphasis (pre-PhD / research in pure math, applied subjects like statistics and finance, or preparation for high school teaching, which can affect what kinds of electives are offered).</p>
<p>Don’t forget to check the net price calculators.</p>
<p>I haven’t heard very much of Iowa State. I may have to look that school up some more!</p>
<p>So what it sounds like is engineering programs are pretty standard and don’t change much between schools, but physics and math do? In this case, which school, CMU or MIT, would be better at least for physics and math? And bottom line, is it even worth it attending these schools for undergraduate?</p>
<p>*The prestige of the school isn’t very important. It really only matters if you want to go into a ‘Wall Street’ major.
*Since you don’t live near MIT, they wouldn’t expect you visit them. Besides, I’m not sure how much MIT trakcs interest (They probably do, but idk by how much). Look on their website and see if a college admissions representative/officer will be attending a college fair or something near you in the next few months.
*Save the money for grad school.
*I can’t speak for CMU, but MIT is the most amazing place on earth. I was shattered when I didn’t get in, but should you choose to apply, I wish you the best of luck. Their programs are top-notch in all the majors you are interested (with mechanical engineering topping them all). </p>
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<p>Actually, they can vary considerably in how they are organized, but the end result is that the students need to learn the specified material to a relatively high standard for the program to get ABET accreditation. So, while the “best” engineering schools’ programs may be enhanced somewhat (though this often comes with increased rigor beyond the normal high rigor of any engineering program), any ABET accredited engineering degree program should be of good quality.</p>
<p>But yes, math and physics departments and programs can vary more, so you have to go through the department web pages, faculty rosters, research areas, course catalogs, schedules, etc. to compare.</p>
<p>PhD programs in science and engineering should be funded.</p>
<p>MIT is definitely worth going to if you think it’s a good fit for you. The chances of anyone getting in are low, so I wouldn’t spend a lot of time deciding whether or not to apply; if you’re interested, make it one of your reach schools. MIT doesn’t track interest. There’s no need to visit before applying; a local alumnus will interview if you apply. If you actually get in, you can visit then. </p>
<p>Great, thanks everyone! It’s worth applying, so when I start doing application, I’ll send one in and see what happens.</p>