<p>Any current students (or parents who can comment from their perspective) out there accepted to both schools who chose/are-choosing UC over UK for reasons other than cost advantages (i.e., assume cost is equal). Why? Any perspective other than costs is helpful, but would also especially like to hear from majors in engineering or any pre-med focused student regardless of major.</p>
<p>Wow this tread has generated some rich discussion! Oh well in case someone has a similar question in the coming year …</p>
<p>After much thought, surprisingly S decided upon UC after first leaning to UK. In engineering at least, both schools are held in similar regard with perhaps (not my opinion) a slight edge to UC, though likewise UK is held in a little higher regard nationally across the board (again, not my opinion). All of that is too close to make a difference and just relies upon others “opinions” anyway.</p>
<p>In the end, S chose UC for: (1) its co-op program, (2) the opportunity to do so nationally and/or internationally more readily at UC versus at UK (the rate of engineering co-op at UK is 20-25%, 70% of which remain in-state - at UC co-op is required with more established arrangements, better coordination, etc.), (3) an established bio-medical undergrad at UC, and (4) more common-core curriculum at UC during first semester than at UK where they seem to want to immediately diverge into specifics of the major more quickly. Then there are some personal intangibles: he found it irritating that UK was reluctant to credit the college english composition PSEO credit he got from Miami University, and simply felt like he fit in better at UC.</p>
<p>Medical school pre-professional prep opportunities are probably pretty similar at both schools with medical campuses on-site or nearby.</p>
<p>Campus differences have been pretty well discussed elsewhere. UC tight, small and very urban - everything you need is right there. UK much more open and larger - some longer walks to rec centers, food, libraries.</p>
<p>Also though not part of the original question, NMF scholarship comparisons are very close. A financial edge does indeed go to UK which appears to be on the order of $10K less expensive over 4 years (UK’s Patterson versus UC’s Cincinnatus Excellence + Engineering Scholarship), all things considered.</p>