<p>I've seen an off-site request for information on </p>
<p>1) Colorado School of Mines </p>
<p>2) University of Missouri--Rolla </p>
<p>and </p>
<p>3) Texas A & M </p>
<p>from a current senior who is apparently a lock for admission at all three schools. (He has been unsuccessful at getting into his reach schools this year, as he already knows.) He wants to major in engineering after getting a strong math background. Based on his desires, which of those three schools would you recommend, financial aid being roughly equal? Is there a reason to prefer Mines to A & M, or to prefer Rolla to either of the other two? He has already viewed the Web sites, but he is interested in your views on the schools' reputations and opportunities for a good preparation in math and strong engineering program. What do you think?</p>
<p>tokenadult,
no one else has answered and while I don't have much first hand experience I'll try to answer what I can. I have met adult graduates of A&M and of Mines. They are very different schools. Texas A&M isn't just a school, it's a way of life. Graduates of this school are very loyal. In the most recent World News ratings magazine, there is an article about A&M, it was very informative. I think that it's a great school for academics, the graduates that I know say that they received a great education but mostly they talk about the customs of the school.</p>
<p>CO school of mines sends stuff to my S weekly. I met a few graduates and they spoke very highly of the school. Unlike the A&M graduates, the Mines graduate talked more about the academics and the classes. Mines graduates are very highly regarded in the engineering community. The graduate that I had a lengthly conversation with has done very well. She talked about the rigors of Mines. From her talk they put great importance in practical engineering, Mines also has an emphasis in group projects. Golden is a beautiful place and attacts people who are interested in the outdoors.</p>
<p>I don't know anything or anyone from U MO Rolla, sorry.</p>
<p>My H went to a school very much like Mines. He loved it and made great friends. Many outside of the engineering profession have never heard of his school, but other engineers have and respect his education and preparation. I hope that this helps, it's too bad that more don't have info on these schools.</p>
<p>I deeply appreciate your answer. I have relatives near enough to MO to at least have heard of U of MO Rolla since I was a little kid, but I didn't know much about the other two schools when the question came up. I think the person who asked me would like a school with more of an academic emphasis, so that sounds like CO Mines might be the best match for him. </p>
<p>Before I reply to my offsite questioner, I'll invite anyone else who sees this to jump in with their opinion.</p>
<p>I taught a TAMU as a grad student (math). The standard Aggie joke is Aggie's get laughed at everywhere except the pay line. TAMU is exceptionally well respected in all engineering circles. As noted, Aggies stick together for life, and that can lead to hiring down the road. The area of engineering can make a real difference. TAMU is strongest in civil, but they are also strong in mechanical and aero. For EE and CS you need to see how they compare to the other schools on your list. I will say that all three schools are very good. I don't about the others, but College Station has grown into a very nice college town, it's not too far from either Houston or Austin. You will find the academic rigor to be quite good.</p>
<p>I know someone who graduated from Mines although it was 20 years ago. He speaks very highly of the academics, the personal attention from the faculty and his advisors and feels he was better educated in math than other people in his field (engineering.) He also enjoyed the skiing.</p>