<p>Does anyone have any thoughts about the engineering program at these two schools. My son will probably study Mechanical engineering. We just went to admitted students day at Case and were very impressed. We will go to the same program at U of R tomorrow. It seems like both are strong research institutions with Case having some more strength in engineering applications and U of R being stronger with theory. Both are around the same size, Case is more urban with U of R a traditional campus. Financially Case would be a bit cheaper but we can swing both. Any thoughts?
thanks....another month to decide!</p>
<p>My son just made this decision - between Case, University of Rochester and RPI. He decided on Case for a number of reasons, although I think he would have been happy at any of the three. Ultimately it was based on location, seriousness of the students, heavy science focused (but not as pure engineering as RPI) and input of a Case coach. While I was more impressed with the feel of the Rochester traditional campus, he really enjoyed the more urban and open feeling of Case’s campus. I think engineering is good at all of these schools, but I do think Case has an edge over Rochester in that regard.</p>
<p>I think that you have things pretty well understood from the point of view of engineering. </p>
<p>I would say that should he ultimately change his mind and decide not to do engineering, I think Case’s other departments fall off in quality fast, whereas Rochester is also very strong in computer science, math, science and economics. </p>
<p>YMMV</p>
<p>Just something else to consider, did you check out Rochester, the city, vs. Troy vs. Cleveland? In my opinion, there was no comparison, Cleveland won out. Rochester seemed like a dying city and Troy was depressing. Did you go to admitted student days? RPI treatment/welcome was pretty mediocre. Canned, unenthusiastic welcome speech from President of RPI, vs. the energetic, warm welcome from Barbara Snyder, Pres. of Case. RPI did not have enough chairs/seats for us and welcomed us w. cold bagels served outside 40 degree weather! At end of day, all reps disappeared and we could not find shuttle back to our car…it was like they were hourly workers and the quitting bell rang. Lunch (hamburgers/hotdogs/salad) was served in an old dilapidated gymnasium. Case Western, a different story, lunch served in a beautiful dining hall w. yummy food. A full day of activities and shuttles to accomodate you, not at RPI!</p>
<p>At Case they really put out the red carpet and you felt wanted. Even the crossing guard, welcomed everyone by saying, Welcome Home! Your college search is over… Also check out endowment records for Case vs. RPI. Case is spending tons of $ on its campus, new student bldg, due in 2014/Fall, etc. I admit I’m biased, because my son/freshman is there and loves it. </p>
<p>Lastly, what really put us over the top in the decision making was the amazing scholarship and financial aid that was offered. Remember ROI! Return on Investment! In today’s market, you really don’t want to be in alot of student debt.</p>
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<p>I don’t think this is true for economics. Businessweek ranks CWRUs economics department highly (5/7 for macro/microeconomics). The science programs are also strong, especially biology.</p>
<p>I think Case has a stronger science/engineering program, though Rochester is also an excellent school so you will not go wrong either way. </p>
<p>With regards to the humanities, I’ve always been impressed with the quality and caliber of the social science programs on campus. Case aggressively recruits the best faculty in their fields and makes sure they have all the resources they need (nice benefit of a $1.5B endowment).</p>
<p>Cleveland’s also a more “happening” city than Rochester. There is a lot more to do here during your four years. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that the city is in the rust belt - you we have a ton of engineering firms here that Case has a close connection with. Just as being in NYC is great for a finance student, being in the Midwest is great for an engineering student.</p>
<p>Any thoughts on whether U Rochester or Case has a more hands-on program? It seems like U of Rochester is more theory and research and does not value hands on projects as much as other schools. Not sure where case falls in this area.</p>
<p>Not sure I have the clear answer to this. I think both schools have strong theoretical underpinnings. I do think Case students have a lot of opportunities for hands-on approaches to engineering - particularly in the area of undergraduate research. I found this American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) tool useful. Here are the listed research centers for Case: [Case</a> Western Reserve University - 2012](<a href=“http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/5763/screen/7?school_name=Case+Western+Reserve+University]Case”>http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/5763/screen/7?school_name=Case+Western+Reserve+University)</p>
<p>and here is what is listed for Rochester:[University</a> of Rochester - 2012](<a href=“http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/5641/screen/7?school_name=University+of+Rochester]University”>http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/5641/screen/7?school_name=University+of+Rochester)</p>
<p>If you look at the tabs on the left side of these pages you can compare the engineering programs (of these and other schools) in a number of other ways as well.</p>
<p>Case is strongest in the biomedical engineering areas. But, my son was led to believe that there are a lot of cross-discipline opportunities for research. For example, he is interested in computers/computer engineering - where a lot of undergrads work on computer based projects within the field of biomedical engineering.</p>
<p>I don’t think either of the schools is as “hands on” in their educational approach as Olin, WPI or Rose-Hulman, though.</p>
<p>Haven’t been on this particular forum for a couple of years - my D was struggling with the same question a couple of years ago! She loved U of R - but after a second visit to Case, she was torn. She slept on it for a few days before admitting she thought Case was the better fit for her. I think both programs are strong - Case might just have an edge with BME. The other positives for Case was the area (University circle is really neat and has access to plenty of things to do - Little Italy for the food, the new Uptown shopping area) and the easy access to the airport/RTA. The big sway was the hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic - almost right on the Case Campus. Rochester does have similar ties to the hospital, but at Case, it felt like you would definitely have easy access to research/volunteering opportunities at the hospital/clinic.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Are you sure that a more hands-on program is better? </p>
<p>My view is that for those who can handle it, a more theoretical program prepares you for a 45 year career giving you the foundational tools to grasp concepts that haven’t even been invented yet, whereas a more hands on program prepares you for your first job. Not everyone can handle the more theoretical program. </p>
<p>Personally, I’d rather have the former. Your first employer will give your the latter.</p>
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<p>Good point CRD. On the other hand, just because a program is more “hands-on” doesn’t preclude it from providing theoretical underpinnings. There are degrees of hands on. And, if the 2 sides work in concert, it could be a great way to really establish the theoretical side. I understand there is only so much that can be covered in a 4-year program, so there is always a cost-benefit. I just wouldn’t assume a hands-on program is necessarily lacking the theoretical side. </p>
<p>I have personal experience with quite a few engineers from WPI, and I have found them to be very strong theoretically and practically. (I know this is a Case thread, but WPI seems to be the common hands-on example.) I would say without the hands-on, some students can be limited in their careers because they never establish the comfort level working the more practical side of problems. So, it depends on the specifics of the program and the student’s learning style and strengths.</p>