<p>Hello,
Let me say it right off the bat; My family tree has stayed put in Maryland for ages. I know there are good schools here (UMD, John Hopkins, etc.) but I need out. It's a personal thing; I cannot stand the development or the proximity to DC. I want to see the world, and I've always been promised that "first step" comes when choosing a college.</p>
<p>I'm a male pursuing a 4-year university for engineering; either Mechanical or Aerospace. I'd prefer to be an engineering technician rather than an office worker. I enjoy being hands on and working with the gritty stuff opposed to sitting behind a monitor. (I'd also like to know, is that's the difference between engineering technician and engineering science?)</p>
<p>As far as grades; I'm no Ivy League, full-ride, top 5%, Valedictorian. I'm the first college bound generation in my family, so I'm doing what I can. I currently stand at a 3.1 GPA and a 3.8 Cumulative GPA (on the 5.0 WGPA scale). I will be graduating spring, 2014 with 9 AP exams completed. I score 4's on Math and Science APs, and 3's on History. MY SAT score (3 subjects) is 1880, and my ACT is expected to be 31-32 when I take it this fall.</p>
<p>Financing? Phew. I got 0 expected family contribution. Both my parents have been out of work since 2009. Aside from the on-and-off jobs, their lack of degree won't latch a career these days (very unfortunate). I'm relying on scholarships, grants, financial aide, and anything I qualify for to help me before I take out a loan. But I will survive, I've been raised to earn my share, not inherit it.</p>
<p>Naviance and College searches are wonderful, but it can only do SO much. Now that I've summarized my situation, I need help from actual people, experiences from places. I want to either go West or South for college. I've been looking at Embry Riddle, FL ; Purdue, IN ; and some other colleges along the Gulf and not too far north.</p>
<p>I need a university with a firm grasp on engineering, as well as a great atmosphere. I want a place excited about their sports and has campus spirit. Not a ge'drunk n' party school but one with a little spunk. I prefer small town, not a lot of tall buildings. Beaches are always welcome but if not, large open grassy fields and forests will surely do.</p>
<p>Diversity? Co-ed is a must. Most of them are 50-50 or close so that's not an issue. As far as demographics, I like a little diversity. I come from a highschool where Caucasian was the minority. I don't want to sound racist saying it, but I'd prefer if I could go somewhere where the number of white people in school can't be counted on 2 hands and a foot. </p>
<p>I'm not asking for the perfect college that has ALL these things, but if you could list places you've been / attended / know about. I'd like to hear a testimony, not a 500 word blurb on a website.</p>
<p>In short, lemme' hear them Southern and Western Engineering Schools! What's it like?</p>