<p>Ok so I am sure that I want to do engineering in college and I was wondering if any of you guys could give me input on only of these schools's engineering programs:
Cornell
CU-Boulder
CSM
VTech
Notre Dame
Right now I just want to learn about how the engineering program for these schools is for an undergraduate. Important things that I care about are availability of research eventually, not impossible to get into classes, and good chances of getting into grad school or getting a decent job. On the non academic I want a school that is not small(doesn't have to be big just not small), not urban, and in a setting where outdoor activities is a common place. Please don't post stuff about how I need to have the "money talk" with my parents because right now I am just focused on whether or not they are worth it for engineering. Specifically I am looking at aerospace or mechanical engineering. Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>I’m sure they all have good programs. You already know instate for Virginia Tech is a great program and great value. Cornell is of course well known for engineering. Since you don’t want anybody to have the “money talk” with you, not sure what else can be said. If money is no object, you are free to go wherever you want to go. I would base it on fit and future goals (where you want to live, etc.). Any of these schools can probably meet your needs. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>“Worth it” implies that cost is relevant to the decision.</p>
<p>Also, Thomas J. Stanley (The Millionaire Next Door) has noted that engineers seem to be overrepresented among millionaires-by-frugality. Perhaps that may have to do with the fact that good engineers are usually solving design problems under various constraints, including cost constraints. Such engineers may have internalized the idea of optimizing their personal enjoyment at the lowest cost.</p>
<p>Actually, the best way to answer those questions is on the individual threads here on CC for those universities. Not likely that you will find one person who knows about all of those colleges. You would probably be lucky to find somebody who could compare more than two of them.</p>
<p>By the way, my personal opinion is that undergraduate research is overrated – wildly overrated! In fact, again personally, it seems more like a gimmick and a fad. For engineering majors, participating in a significant project of some sort is more important. That’s because engineers do projects in their careers, not research. Even if you think that you want to do research, don’t let it be a major factor in your decision. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>To answer your basic question… If I had to guess, I would hazard that Virginia Tech and Cornell are likely to meet your criteria better than the others.</p>
<p>Cornell and Virginia Tech for the engineering. Add UC Boulder for the outdoor activity. </p>