Hi!
So I’ve been very fortunate to have been accepted to both locations for engineering undergrad. I reside in North Carolina right now but here’s my dilemma: I could graduate nc state in 2 years or I could graduate Georgia tech in 3 years. Reason is that I have some community college credits that transfer pretty good in-state but is alright out of state. Cost is not a huge factor but the opportunity cost makes it a bit complicated.
Any advices? Thanks!
Engineering has some sequences of courses that makes graduating early difficult sometimes. In theory D21 could have credits to graduate in 2 years but she would not have the courses needed for engineering since they build on each other.
NC State is very generous with accepting DE and AP credit, but you need to look at your major and the prerequisites and co-requisites for the courses.
Call and talk to someone at both colleges to map things out. Look at the actual course offerings for this semester to Ghent a feel for sections offered.
You may also want to minor or double in something.
Thanks for your input. If, after mapping out course selections, I could indeed graduate in two years, would you recommend nc state over Georgia tech?
Go back and visit both campuses. Spend time walking around on campus and in the area. Try to set something up to talk to current students. The campuses and the overall vibe are very different. Georgia tech always feels more intense.
Do either give you a plus masters option that you could start to work on as an undergrad?
Instate in two years makes financial sense, but it may not be what works for you to prepare you for the workforce. What is the rush? To me, the opportunity cost is what you may miss by being on campus for only an abbreviated time span. Three years on either campus may be a better pace and allow you participate in research opportunities and time to take additional courses of interest.
Alright, will do! Thank you for your detailed response!
And yes both locations offer accelerated programs to let students work on their masters while in undergrad. I plan on doing masters, but I’m not sure if I want to stay at the same institution for it.
Where do you want to work once you graduate? Where is your family? Are those factors important?
And, what type of engineer do you want to be? GA Tech has a much better business program if you are looking to get a minor.
What type of engineering? That could sway the decision.
What’s the cost difference? If you need loans or it impacts your parents retirement then NC State. If not, then you need to think about it.
Graduating in 2 years would limit internships or co-ops.
I loved NC State. Underrated in my opinion but GT is outstanding. The campus is very urban if that matters.
S20 is at GT for ISyE. He will most likely graduate in 3 years. They’re generous with AP and transfer credits.
No bad decision here.
Accepted into computer engineering. Cost difference is approximately 100k not including opportunity cost (which is tricky to calculate).
Would it be best to do co-ops in undergrad to build my profile for applying to masters? People say that undergrad doesn’t mean much if you plan on doing grad except when you are actually applying to grad. I’m honestly just worried that I won’t be able to get into schools as good as Gatech in the future if I plan on doing that.
There’s no bad choice here. Visit both on accepted students day or whenever you can.
Is $100k difference a deciding factor? Can you afford GT without loans or parents taking on debt or stop funding retirement? Even if GT is affordable not sure it’s $100k better than NC State for engineering. NC State is a very good school for engineering.
I would forget the opportunity cost for the moment. Too far out to calculate. Too many variables. Other than financial reasons why graduate in 2 years? Enjoy college, you have your whole life to work. Plus 2 years will make it tough to intern or co-op.
As for internships and co-ops you should definitely consider them. Graduating with work experience on your resume is a boost for getting that first job. Plus it helps you decide what you want to do or not do for your career.
We live in PA. Our neighbor’s son went to NC State for CS. He worked for several companies and is now working on his PhD at Georgia Tech. It’s not where you start but where you finish. Do well at NC State and you’ll have plenty of options for grad school if that’s your path. Good luck.