<p>Here's my situation. I was accepted to VT(+Honors) and GT. I am looking to go into electrical engineering or possibly aerospace engineering. I have visited both campuses and preferred VT's campus but preferred GT's academic reputation. I want to study abroad at GT Lorraine in France sometime during my 4 years (which I will also be able to do as a transient through VT but for not as long.) The tuition for each is about 35k (VT) and 38k (GT) OOS (with no need-based aid).</p>
<p>Which should I choose? I feel I'm a hardworking and ambitious individual, but feel like I might miss out on some fun aspects of college life by choosing GT. Thanks for any input!</p>
<p>GT aerospace is #2 (MIT #1). I have visited both w/i the past two weeks so I understand your thoughts re the difference in the campus. VT engineering specialities are chosen in the spring of your first year and ARE competitive. As you are Honors this would probably not be an issue, but something to keep in mind. Another thing to consider is what research each university is doing. Does one interest you more than the other. I was highly impressed with the programs that GT has for first year support. VT does not compare in that department.
VT is a very social campus, however I don’t think you’d have a lack of social life at GT. If athletics interest you, GT supports their teams as much as any school I know of!! Their fitness and aquatic center are amazing. I didn’t see the facilities at VT. Perhaps someone else could pipe in.
If you think you would be happy on the GT campus, and money isn’t the issue, that would be my choice. Both are highly regarded universities. Good luck and congratulations!</p>
<p>If this were me it would come down to the surrounding areas and Atlanta >>>>>> Blacksburg as a city. Obviously this is a personal thing, and it depends on whether you want a huge city or a smaller collegetown. To each his/her own</p>
<p>Academically, you won’t be hurt either way. And I’m sure socially each one is superb</p>
<p>redfire, you have two great choices, congratulations! I think you are wise beyond your years for looking at many aspects of what you want for your undergrad experience. They are both such good schools, you really couldn’t go wrong with either as a choice. </p>
<p>blueiguana brought up some great points about each. I think you can make your own fun and being on an urban campus, with Atlanta as your backyard, you wouldn’t have to look far for activities. I don’t think you would miss out on anything, except that with your major being so intense, you probably won’t have as much free time as others… but that goes for being an engineering student at either VT or GT. </p>
<p>The honors program at VT may be one factor to consider in the decision. The opportunities for undergrad research, scholarship opportunities and involvement with other highly motivated students across many disciplines might be something that interests you.</p>
<p>But, if GT’s urban atmosphere isn’t something that totally turns you off, I think you could have plenty of fun there, just as you would in Blacksburg. </p>
<p>Hope this helps and that things work out for you!</p>
<p>If you are interested in engineering and the cost difference is not a substantial one, you can’t go wrong with GT</p>
<p>I appreciate the helpful responses, all! The only two things that are holding me back from choosing one is that for VT, I’m not sure how highly the engineering program is compared with GT or other top engineering universities. Is it a problem that it’s not in the top 10 rankings anymore? And with GT, I realize that the social opportunities do exist, but having to study nearly constantly worries me that I won’t be able to have time for a lot of things.</p>
<p>redfire, Have you posted on each of the school’s forums here on cc? If you go over to Discussion Home and then Alphabetical List of schools, you can post on both VT and GT and possibly get more information to help you decide. There is a senior engineering student on the VT board that is very knowledgeable - I don’t know if he is aero or electrical though. I wouldn’t worry about the reputation of Virginia Tech’s engineering program. It is superb and puts out some great engineers.</p>
<p>KandK, yes, I have done so. Surprisingly I didn’t get all that much feedback so I decided to open it up to anyone on the general forum. You all have been very helpful so far. I’m beginning to think an old toss of the coin may be in order… ;)</p>
<p>If I’m not mistaken VT is #10 is aerospace, GT #2. VT engineers are highly respected and actively recruited. You are going to work hard at either school. Engineering is not a cake walk. You have obviously shown that you are up to the challenge at either school. Don’t let that hinder your decision.
I maintain my opinion that if you feel you could be happy at GT it is the better choice. However, I feel you are looking for confirmation that VT engineers are just as well respected. You seem to be leaning towards VT and simply want to make sure you are not selling yourself short. They are (respected, very much so), and you are not (selling yourself short, not in the least).</p>
<p>For anyone wondering, I chose GT. It was a really tough decision but I feel that the academics and post-graduation opportunities are what I was looking for. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it a lot!</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy your years there, GT is an amazing school!</p>
<p>I think that’s a good choice. Congrats</p>
<p>Good luck to you! I think you will have a wonderful time there. Based on the sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, and hot tubs I saw on greek row, I hardly think you will be at a lack of social life if you choose to go to a party or two 
If that’s not your thing, you are only blocks from the MARTA which will take you all over the city… GA Dome football, Phillips Arena basketball, theater, restaurants, shopping, anything you could think of!
What a wonderful four years and an awesome education you will have! Congratulations!!</p>
<p>redfire, </p>
<p>Glad you made your choice and congratulations. I could kind of sense in your post you seemed to be leaning with GT. Don’t look back; you will have a great time and get a tremendous education there! I’ll be rooting for you…but I won’t root for your new team this fall - those bad ole Yellow Jackets need to buzz on home! Have a blast.</p>