CSM or UIUC?

College Search & Selection
1

As the May 1st deadline approaches, I have to decided whether to commit to Colorado School of Mines or University of Illinois at Urbana Champain.

If I go to CSM I would most likely study mining engineering and if I go to UIUC I would study aerospace engineering (That’s the school they accepted me for). It seems UIUC would be the obvious choice because of their good aerospace program but CSM is equally good for mining engineering. So it this category I view them as tied.

I do think I would be a lot happier at CSM because I love Colorado, the mountains (skiing, hiking) and I have family nearby. I think the people would probably be more my crowd at Mines too. I’ve visited both and I don’t hate UIUC I just know I’d like CSM better in that respect. For me Mines wins in this category.

One thing I’m not sure about though is mining engineering. To be fair I’m not set on aerospace either but mining seems kind of a stretch. It’s a much more niche major and I’m not sure what the job market for it is like. Also, I’m pretty sure UIUC would have a much better alumni community for aerospace and better facilities because of how big a school it is. I would greatly appreciate any advice people have on majors and this category in general.

That leads me to my next category, school size/community. Mines is a small tech school compared to UIUC’s 49k undergrad. To be honest I have no idea which one I’d like better in this respect. I know I won’t drown at a big school so I guess this category doesn’t matter as much to me.

And as much as I hate to admit it, I think aerospace at UIUC carries much more respect than mining at CSM. Getting into that program at UIUC is definitely harder than CSM and I’d be lying if I said that didn’t influence my opinion.

I’m lucky enough to say that finances aren’t really an issue to me although CSM did give me some money for what it’s worth.

I hope I haven’t scared anyone away with my wall of text but as you guys can see I’m pretty torn between the two. Any advice is welcome and hopefully you guys can make my decision easier!

2

If you are wavering on mining engineering, would you want to be at CSM for some other kind of engineering available there?

Similarly, if you are wavering on aerospace engineering, would you want to be at UIUC for some other kind of engineering available there?

If you may change majors, be sure to look up how difficult it will be to change into your other possible majors at each school.

3

^^^^ This.

Many students change their major after starting college. So find out about what that would entail.

And yes, it really is OK to choose the place that you feel is a better personal and social fit. It is a long way from now until graduation. Chances are that you will perform better in your classes if you are at a place where you feel happy.