College Decision Engineering

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hi Guys!

So I’m an International Student from India applying for engineering to the US. I’ve gotten acceptances from quite a few schools including Purdue, University of Wisconsin Madison, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Boston University, University of California San Diego, University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign and University of Southern California.

I am currently in a pretty happy dilemma choosing between these few schools. I have shortlisted UIUC and USC as my top two schools but am still confused as to which is the better option.

USC is a phenomenal school and is ranked highly in the US-News National University Rankings. It is ranked as a top 25 university in the nation and is well known throughout the world. It is also located in Los Angeles and is known for its strong alumni network.

UIUC is no less with one of the highest ranked Engineering Programs in the Nation with only MIT, Stanford, UCB, Caltech and Gtech being ranked higher. UIUC is located in relatively small cities of Urbana-Champaign and it is relatively less selective.

UIUC has a much better ranked engineering program (#6) as per US News and USC is ranked significantly lower at #24
UIUC seems to be less competitive school with an acceptance rate of 60%. USC is far more selective with an admit rate of about 17%.

The primary factors I want to base my decision on are (in order of importance):

Strength of Engineering School
Job Prospects for International Students
Rating of Engineering Program of UIUC vs USC for admissions to Graduate Programs
Rigor of Engineering Program
Class Size
Student Faculty Ratio
Public Vs Private University
Accessibility of Classes/ Wait-lists for classes as I’ve heard that sometimes students at Public Schools don’t get the classes that they require ( for eg. UCLA)
Prestige
Type of Students
Location
Social life

USC is probably the more prestigious overall among the two schools, but its engineering program isn’t as highly ranked as that of UIUC. Will this affect job prospects and placements later on??/ I have been admitted to both schools for Mechanical Engineering.

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated! Really hope those who are attending UIUC and USC can comment on the social life, career prospects as well as academic rigor/reputation of both schools. Thanks!!!

2

I can’t comment on the strength of engineering school because most of the US schools are good.

However, I will comment on job prospects.

When you apply to universities in the US, it is for your education, not for your immigration and job prospects. So, when you graduate from a US university, you have to assume that you will be returning to your home country for your job prospects. We don’t know what those are in your country. Most visas will not allow you to work off-campus while you attend your university.

Changes in US government policies have made it very difficult to find a US-sponsoring employer for non-citizens. The US government is very strict about employing its citizens first. Employers would have to pay thousands to sponsor you and would have a waiting period. The US government requires that the employer state that no US citizen is available to fill that job. It’s just easier for corporations to just a US citizen. FYI: Engineering candidates typically need a US security clearance for most corporate jobs, so unless you are a permanent resident, it would be very difficult. You need to be aware of that.

As for your university selection, that’s all your choice.

3

Your choice should be based on other factors because both engineering programs are accredited and strong.
Look at the environment, the weather, the type of students, etc.

4

@aunt bea, Is that the case with most international students? I see many ask about job prospects. I wonder how many use up parental savings or borrow a lot in their home country assuming they can stay here and work to pay the family and/or lenders back. Is it tough for all international students or just those in technical/engineering jobs?

5

It’s easier for those in technical/engineering, but it’s tough for all. The situation’s very weird, because if we want immigrants, it seems that those with college degrees should have a sped up system since all stand to benefit (like they do in Canada for instance).

6

@austinmshauri, that’s the problem; international students accepted to US universities are coming with the expectation that now they are home-free and will immigrate after graduation. Not happening. You can get more information from @B@r!um; she is knowledgeable in immigration issues for international students and can elaborate further. She will give you current and accurate information.

But the general consensus is that you can’t assume that you will easily immigrate and find a job; assume that you will return to your home country. US labor rules and regulations have changed. Immigration laws are strict because our economy is just starting to recuperate and the first people the government wants hired are US citizens and permanent residents.

The companies have to commit to the government stating that no US citizens are available for open positions. The universities are graduating more US citizens in STEM majors. Look at the competition just to get into the universities. For the most part, STEM international students, looking to work in US tech industries, won’t qualify for security clearances and the companies won’t pay visa sponsorship fees or agree to wait for months for possible work visas.

My husband’s large tech company will not even consider looking at online applicants that are international student graduates, regardless of the strength of Ivy schools, because the grads don’t and won’t qualify for US clearances. International terrorism is a huge concern.

My daughter’s (also large “international” tech company) will not sponsor new grads who are not current permanent residents.

Her international classmates, who graduated with her at her university, were not employable at her company and she could not recommend them. She graduated two years ago. A number of her classmates had to return home.

DD has an engineering “international” classmate who ended up taking a position at an insurance company at just over minimum wage; I don’t know how he managed that-we think he has a relative that is a permanent resident. He didn’t want to return to his home country because the family had an arranged marriage awaiting him, and they were expecting him to have his job support and immigrate them all. Apparently, they don’t know that he is not working as an engineer.

7

Oh, forgot to add:

My DS has been applying for summer computer engineering internships-non paid. The first question, after his name was: “Are you a US citizen, or, are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Please be prepared to provide written documentation should you be interviewed.” This is for nonpaying internships!!