It is more difficult to get into UMass for engineering than UConn. Which school has the best fit for her research interests?
@gearmom - I have heard it going both ways but I think UMass edges out UCONN slightly in engineering. I didn’t think this at first but I have seen multiple people on CC apply to both schools and only get accepted to engineering at UCONN. (Somewhat surprising lol) This being said, they are close enough that it should come down to both the money and acceptance into the honors program at each school. Also, as far as comparing UDel, UMass and UConn goes, UConn is the highest ranked in the general rankings out of the three schools. Lasly, UMass and UDell are ranked as #76(tie) in US NEWS so I guess they are neck and neck. (Again it should come down to price/aid)
@Greenman57 I also think that UMass has nudged ahead of UConn for engineering. I think cost is driving better students there. If there is any chance that D will change majors choose UConn which has a better overall ranking and it will be cheaper in the long run. Also UConn probably has a better alumni network at CT companies like Pfizer.
@gearmom - Yes, it comes down to a lot of things like home state and which state to work post graduation. Certainly UMass will have better connections in MA and UConn will have additional connections in CT. (This is a no-brainer) Nonetheless, both these schools are the top two public Unis in New England so both are a great value whichever one you pick. 
Another instance where USNWR rankings are meaningless.
UMass-Amherst has a much stronger and longer record in traditional engineering research (especially in ChE and in Polymers) than UConn. And the engineering departments at UMass-Lowell are quite good. As for Delware, no way that UConn matches Delaware’s assets and achievements in ChE. UD’s ChE department is one of the most respected in the world, thanks in large part to the largess of the Dupont company.
Are there connections if she attends US Mass Amherst for engineering positions in the Boston Area?
^^Absolutely. A big UMass network.
My daughter iis very interested in science - chemistry - she likes math. She has a great interest in fuel cells and energy- hence her choice in Chem Eng. Her real passion is art - but with the demands of engineering- it does not look like it may be possible to take a studio art course each semester. Many of the most creative engineers are artists- but most schools do not promote this approach. We have counseled her against being an art major (she does not want to teach) and to pursue her scientific interests but it is hard to ignore her natural talent. Do you have any advice about her ability to fit in an art class - or who to speak to in this regard in deciding about her college choice?
A friend and classmate of Lake Jr.'s is a metallurgy/Materials Science engineering major. She is a budding artist/sculptor, which is why she chose metallurgy. Art and engineering can be combined as a career choice.
Thank you Lake- it seems the eng. requirements are such a commitment - would you suggest that we speak to a counselor in this regard- at the various prospective college to get their input… ?