<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm a junior this year and researching colleges. I've recently begun seriously thinking about what I would enjoy doing when I am older and decided that I want to be an engineer. </p>
<p>I love Calculus and improving old objects to make them more efficient. I love the combination of Calculus and science, structure and creativity that engineering offers. I had an internship at NASA SHARP last summer and did biomedical research but found it too open-ended. I'd like something with a little more structure and calculation-based which is why engineering looks really appealing to me. * I'm thinking of majoring in engineering physics, mechanical engineering, or applied physics. *</p>
<p>I think that I have an okay chance at acceptance at both schools, but am having a really hard time deciding if it would be worth it to pay the extra 30,000/year. This year, I've been spoiled with excellent professors, small class sizes, etc. and have seen how much it makes a difference in my enjoyment of the class and the amount of information that I learn. That said, I'd probably be willing to pay the extra 30,000 if Cornell is worth it, but it's hard to judge on paper how much better the quality of education is at Cornell vs. UW. ** I'd really appreciate any opinions about the curriculum from engineers (especially in the fields I listed above) at UW or Cornell? Also, are there any other good schools for engineering physics? **I know that Stanford has a really cool physics machine (SLAC?).</p>
<p>Assuming you are a state of Washington resident, my husband loved the UofW, (many years ago of course). He got one degree in physics and one in aero. engineering, then went to work for Boeing after some graduate work. He really enjoyed the U of W. Originally he had looked at Purdue for example, but decided the in state tuition here was just too good to pass up. He also had some friends that did engineering/computers at Western, and he thought the kids seemed very happy there also. One downside about the UW is that housing is in such short supply, and people seem to be pushed into the Greek system/ apts to get them out of the dorms. My advice, is that a UW education means something in the Northwest, and you will have some left over money after you are done to pursue an advanced degree, or even start a business. It's wonderful to get a college degree when you are young enough to enjoy it throughout your life. My husband has also volunteered in the community and has been on many local government policy boards, one time with his former physics advisor (who was also on a city council) His engineering/physics have given him a lot of insight into things others just can't understand. The U of W is a good value for your education dollar. Out of state- maybe not.</p>
<p>One last thing--have you attended the engineering open house at the U of W? (check the website) It's not as crowded on the Saturday. All the departments are open, and you can talk away to the professors, and graduate students. We usually try to go every year-you can only get through 1/2 of it at one time before it closes.</p>
<p>Wow, thank you very much for all of the help and your input :) I think I'm about 90% sure that I'll go to UWashington after high school. Originally, I was nervous because I heard washington had really large classes (I've been spoiled this year with tiny classes, only 12 in Calculus!) and I did not know if UW had a good engineering and physics reputation. However, it is nice to know that your husband enjoyed UW. I have not been to the Engineering Open House, but hope to go soon. It's on the weekend of my birthday, so maybe it was meant to be! Thanks for the heads up about it :)</p>
<p>It turns out that I've found a way to rid myself of most of the concerns I had about attending UW by transferring instead of applying as a freshman. I'm in Running Start this year and on-track to finish the Calc Sequence (Differential, Integral, Multivariable, and Diff Eq), Chem sequence, and physics sequence by the time I graduate. With all these credits that transfer (~95 Community college credits, Summer classes, etc.), I'd be able to graduate in less than two years from UW and maybe even dual major :) This added to the reputation of UW and instate tuition makes UW look VERY appealing.</p>
<p>Thanks again :)</p>