I am planning to study aerospace engineering at either Embry Riddle (Prescott) or Purdue. On the basis of jobs and other similar opportunities, I really care about where I end up. I ultimately want to work for a major aerospace company such as Boeing or Northrop Grumman. I also am a pilot, so I would like to fly whenever I get the chance.
I really like Embry Riddle because almost anyone could be involved in anything they want, even if they’re a freshman. The campus was cozy and everyone is an aviation nerd (as am I). I also know people who are going there and who are going to school near there, so that’s really comforting. My problem with it is that ANYONE can get in. I’ve worked hard throughout high school to get my 4.5 GPA, and the fact that anyone can go makes it seem like the education isn’t as rigorous as the others and that my hardwork was not worth it.
I really like Purdue because of how well-known they are for aerospace. I loved the campus and it is way bigger than Riddle. Whenever I mention that I am considering Purdue, everyone marvels at it, whereas with Riddle no one knows what it is; being unknown also concerns me about Riddle. With Purdue I know I won’t have a problem with that. The thing I’m not sure about Purdue is that it’s reaaally far away from home and I know I don’t really fit into the whole Big10 vibe. I also heard that most of their resources go towards their grad students, and not that much towards undergrad.
Does anyone have any suggestions for which I should choose? I was thinking of maybe doing undergrad at Riddle and grad at Purdue… any opinions on that? Would I miss out on opportunities if I chose Riddle?