<p>I've posted my dilemma in each respective school's threads and received responses that obviously favored the school there. </p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice as to where I should make my May 1st deposit to. As of right now, I'm not considering costs as one of my factors. I'm a finalist for the Gates Millennium Scholarship, and I already have a backup school in case things don't work out (Clarkson University, about $7000/year). I've also been waitlisted at UVa and Stanford. Please keep in mind that I'll also be participating in Air Force ROTC in college.</p>
<p>Rochester
PROS:
* Overall, rising academic reputation (In the early 30's now in rankings)
* Free curriculum, apart from ECE requirements
* Degree is in both Electrical and Computer Engineering
* Free classes at Eastman School of Music
* Good student to faculty ratio
* Student body is said to be collaborative and friendly</p>
<p>CONS:
* Doesn't host Air Force ROTC (I'd have to commute to RIT about 15 minutes away twice a week)
* Bleak and dreary weather for most of the year (Though I'm excited for snow, I know the adjustment to cold weather will be tough to adjust to coming from an island lifestyle)
* Not as much offerings in engineering majors in case I want to switch
* As far as I know, not as much centers devoted to engineering department research</p>
<p>Miami
PROS:
* Hosts Air Force ROTC
* Weather
* School spirit
* Good student to faculty ratio
* The city of Miami (Proximity to museums and other big city events)
* Frequently mentioned as a "school on the rise", though I don't know if it will be able to surpass Rochester academically</p>
<p>CONS:
* Isn't known to have a good academic reputation (party school rep)
* Isn't recognized to have a good engineering school
* Most students until now, claim that the student body isn't friendly and are very snobby</p>
<p>North Carolina
PROS:
* Hosts Air Force ROTC
* 4 season weather
* School spirit
* City of Raleigh has more to offer than Rochester
* Good engineering reputation
* Diverse offerings in engineering majors
* NUMEROUS course offerings</p>
<p>CONS:
* Most other majors apart from engineering aren't valued as much
* School size
* Rigidity of curriculum
* Overshadowed by Duke and UNC academically
* Has a majorly conservative feel</p>
<p>Overall, I just want to attend a school that will prepare me well for both a beginning career in the U.S. Air Force and then possibly, a good job afterwards as a civilian. Like everyone else here, I want to be able to receive the best education possible in my field by attending a well-perceived college, and at the same time, enjoy my undergrad years.</p>
<p>Any feedback is greatly appreciated as I have no means of being able to visit these schools! Thanks. :)</p>