I’m having a very difficult time choosing between these schools. If anyone could provide me with feedback, it would be greatly appreciated!
Georgia tech is my absolute favorite school (it’s so gosh darn amazing), but will cost $42,000/yr to attend. Washington is my second favorite, costing $32,000/yr. UMN is probably my least favorite, but only costs $22,000/yr after scholarships.
As a biomedical engineering major, I feel like Georgia Tech would provide so much more worthwhile experience than the others, but is it worth the money? I know I’d be happy no matter where I go to school, I just want to leave school with opportunitIes in the working field able to manage the college debt.
UMN also has access to internships with the Mayo Clinic, St. Jude’s and Medatronic, all big biomed companies. That could definitely be a plus.
Also, I am from California and I am honestly concerned about the weather. It might not be a big deal in the end, but dealing with the cold in Minnesota seems a bit difficult haha.
I’m so flustered and indecisive, any advice you guys could provide about choosing a school would really help put me at ease.
UW also has one of the top medical schools and most highly funded medical research centers in the world right on campus, which provides access to research opportunities and internships.
Another thing to consider is that travel between California and Washington is easy and relatively inexpensive, and being in the same time zone as home makes communication easier.
Definitely consider UMN with Mayo and all that nearby. You may not “like” it as much but the significantly smaller cost is a HUGE plus. Cross Georgia Tech off the list – no school is worth that debt especially when all the schools are equal academically.
The money makes it really tough…and that’s a shame because GA Tech is one of the top 3 biomedical programs in the world…but as others have pointed out, the other 2 schools are solid as well and much more affordable.
This is a plug for Udub. The school is really making a name for itself, in the last 5-10 years. It has a premier CS program, and there other programs in tech and engineering are also well regarded. Tech and other firms recruit heavily at the school, and there are many not just internship opportunities, but employment as well.
I like all the cities concerned–ATL. Twin Cities, but Seattle to me is a notch above. So, while it does have some grey days (no doubt about that) I think it is way over-hyped…and when its clear–the beauty it is just mindblowing…from snow capped mountains, to emerald green forest to the deep blue pacific all in one single glance. Super hip and diverse city, that has a really young demographic–where else can you Kayak to a PAC 12 football game–which hundreds do every Saturday in the fall—Udub!
I wouldn’t undercut the internship/ career opportunities that UMN presents. It is arguably the best place in the country to be in the biomedical engineering field. Don’t forget that UnitedHealth Group is in the biggest Fortune 500 company in the Twin Cities as well. Mayo Clinic is currently in the middle of a massive $6 billion expansion as well. I’m transferring there next year, and the the biggest reason I’m going is for the awesome recruiting.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the weather either, there is a large system of tunnels and skyways connecting a lot of the buildings, as well as a light rail line and bus system. And you have no idea about the bragging rights you will have with the people back in Cali after living through winter in MN. Plus we have hockey!
I recently visited and the campus and gorgeous too! Lots of beautiful old buildings, greenery, and right on the Mississippi River. Plus it has an amazing view of the Minneapolis skyline. Minneapolis is a pretty cool city too, never a shortage of things to do.