I have two close family members who went/go to VT, and I have never seen more dedication to a school. It’s all VT, all the time. One was in Pamplin, the other is in engineering (though wanting to switch to BIT possibly?).
Meanwhile I haven’t visited my college in almost 25 years. Loved my time there; just not all that attached.
If I was in-state for VT I’d probably go VT, assuming the cost-differential does not make or break other financial goals/needs of the family, and assuming that the interest in engineering is fairly strong. People do decide they don’t like that major. Though Pamplin is a good business school too.
I’m also thinking the big scholarship from FSU is not a sure thing.
Yes it does matter. The question is the difference worth the additional cost (something only you can answer). VT is much more highly recruited for ISE’s (and engineering in general) than FSU. Far more engineering companies will visit VT, attend the career fairs and do onsite interviews. You’ll also find that VT has more ISE related clubs, design projects, and research opportunities.
You can still have a good experience at FSU, but you have to put more effort into landing internships/co-ops and forming connections in the industry. Once you have your first job (and even your first or second internship), the difference becomes much less.
Thanks for all the feedback. While we are still waiting, we anticipate she will get into Va. Tech as an engineering major. Her grades are excellent, scores very good, lots of activities, and currently ranked #1 in her class. While we don’t have money to throw away, the cash is not the main concern. It is about quality and fit.
Might be nice to talk to someone about Hypatia, the Women in Engineering Learning Community at VT, if you haven’t done so already. I would also have suggested looking at UVa engineering as well since you are instate(they have a very well regarded Systems Engineering Program) but I believe the application deadline could be past. Good luck with the decision. We were very pleased with both VT and UVa for engineering.
I used to be an Academic Adviser in an Engineering Curriculum at Auburn University. When we were recruiting and accepting students in the Graduate Program, where they completed their Undergrad was certainly considered and the FAMU/FSU program was not highly regarded. In Florida, UF was the school we looked at for future graduate students. I am sure that your child can still be a great success at FSU in engineering, as many are, but the program is not a top quality program.
The crowd is right. They do not know what it best for your kid.
The OP is best making this decision with their family, and not relying on an internet message board. However, if they do rely on an internet message board, I would pay a little extra for Virginia Tech.
But seriously, FSU sounds like a fine school. I do hope things do become clearer for you and your daughter once all the tours are done and you have all the financial info to compare.
