<p>Does anyone have any opinions on the engineering programs at UVA vs. UT? If accepted to both programs, which would you choose? Both will be out of state, so cost will be about the same. We are from Illinois, so both will be far from home. Thanks.</p>
<p>The biggest difference are the sizes of the schools. I have a friend in engineering here who is actually from TX and he chose to go here because, in his words, “UT is freaking massive!”.<br>
The engineering program is top-notch there, however. I really considered going there, but it’s OOS/expensive/far for me and other schools had a better fit. If EE/CS/CpE is a consideration, however, I pick UT. With Texas Instruments and other top-notch companies right there, there’s no better place to be as a EE, other than silicon valley. Austin is beautiful, as well.
Ugh, I love UVa, I really do, but UT was a dream of mine that just wasn’t going to fit into reality. I HIGHLY suggest applying to both schools and doing more research to find a personal fit. Does your S/D have any specific things they’re looking for out of college?</p>
<p>He wants to major in Aerospace. Has visited both schools and could see himself at both! He has been accepted to UT. UVA has always been first choice, but now that he has been accepted, and is excited about UT, he is having second thoughts. Wish we didn’t have to wait until April 1st to find out about UVA. What do you think his chances are? (OOS,33 ACT,top 9%, solid essays and recommendation, average amount of ECs) Thanks!</p>
<p>Considering he’s out of state, I’d say he’s a match. UT has a top 10 engineering program according to US News; UVA’s is 37th.</p>
<p>Hmm. If he’s already been accepted to UT, most likely, he’ll fall more and more in love with it as time goes by. April 1st is a long way…</p>
<p>I suggest that he start making a list of what he thinks the pros/cons are of each school, what he wants out of college, and the financial aspects of each school (if that’s an issue for you). If he doesn’t have to respond (with money) to UT until after UVA decisions are out, then I’d say wait and see what happens. You’ve got only a month more, and things could change.</p>
<p>Your son is extremely lucky, I hope that you’re extremely proud of him. He’s going to do very well in life at either school. UT holds a soft spot in my heart.</p>
<p>On the UT front, I have heard that their orientations for freshman fill up very fast and you cannot register for classes until you attend so what another Mom is doing, even before her S decides, is registering him for the UT orientation session (refundable up until I think 8 days ahead of time) so he doesn’t lose a spot that way.</p>
<p>Also, you may want to check the UT forum as Texas is an easier state for a student to gain residency and in the end may end up being a large cost savings for you.</p>
<p>I’m not saying you should pick UT over UVA, they are both great schools, I just don’t want you to miss out by waiting for April 1st. </p>
<p>My D is holding her breath for UVA Engineering - we are instate though so it will be much less, and April 1st seems so far! But as an original Texan, UT has it’s draw too :)</p>
<p>Momof10: no offense, but that’s not fair to others who know that they want to go there. You should not sign up for orientation until you, for sure, are attended. It’s like having someone else hold your spot in a long line just in case you want to go over. It’s probably more work for UT too, I’m surprised they allow this.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t normally recommend it exactly for the reasons you mentioned but I have heard from many sources that it is critical at UT due to not being able to register for classes until you have attended orientation, even if your online student account becomes active. Obviously the ability to register for orientation is open to anyone and they could conceivably cancel when they heard from UVA and/or decided not to go to UT BUT since UT seems very high on their list and they will not hear from UVA for 4 weeks yet it may be in their best interests to hold a spot. For us, my daughter is holding off on registering for any other orientations because hands down UVA is her first choice but if she had a close 2nd choice that would be where she would attend if UVA fell through and we were concerned she would be in a bind by not registering for something like this now we would likely hold her spot.</p>
<p>Has your son given uiuc a thought? It’s instate so the cost should be much cheaper and Illinois’ engineering program is one of the best in the country.</p>
<p>If it’s not her first choice, she shouldn’t involved herself. Now, subconsciously, she’ll feel a link towards UT. Not to mention, you’re still being unfair to others. There’s plenty out there that are holding off for more pressing reasons than “I don’t know about my first choice”.</p>
<p>Unfortunately though there is a lot of evidence of schools that are trying to rope in admits that hear prior to the typical late March/April 1 date by offering such orientation, first choice housing, etc. I don’t like the methods and don’t agree with them but until schools stop giving first choice to first responders prior to the April 1 or better the May 1 deadline there will be reason to be aware of every school’s policy. </p>
<p>Sorry to get off topic,as per UT vs UVA engineering - I think at the base they are totally different experiences even if you take away the differences in location/population/etc. Both great choices but choose the one that’s great for you!</p>
<p>If I were instate to UIUC, I certainly wouldn’t go OOS to another public for engineering!</p>