<p>I have the stats to go into the engineering programs of either MN or Madison. These are both very good schools. I would prefer a smaller environment though. So far, I have not looked into any schools that are not selective. Is there any value in looking at schools that are not as good at engineering and less selective just for a different environment?</p>
<p>I don’t know about less selective, but these are very good small schools for engineering </p>
<p>Union College
Bucknell University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Rice University
University of Tulsa</p>
<p>Realize there can be a significant price difference in going to private schools (if you’re instate for MN)</p>
<p>for ceramic engineering Alfred University. small school, great program.</p>
<p>highly selective + small = Harvey Mudd College
[About</a> HMC](<a href=“http://www.hmc.edu/About.html]About”>About | Harvey Mudd College)</p>
<p>Less selective than Mudd and larger too, but not huge - Santa Clara University
[Santa</a> Clara University - School of Engineering - IDEASWelcome](<a href=“http://www.scu.edu/engineering/]Santa”>School of Engineering - Santa Clara University)</p>
<p>I think you’ve all missed the point…or maybe I did? OP, I took it that you were asking about the drawbacks of choosing a less-selective school than one you’re capable of being admitted to?</p>
<p>I want to stay in midwest, and I am looking for pros and cons of going to a school were you will be one of the most qualified people.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Obvious pros: </p>
<p>Better chance of rising to the top of your graduating class</p>
<p>Better chance to catch the eyes of your professors as an outstanding student; hence a potentially better chance to develop a close relationship with one or more professors who can then write exceptionally good letters of recommendation for grad school or potential employers</p>
<p>Obvious cons:</p>
<p>The choice of upper division classes may be limited</p>
<p>Since most profs teach to the middle of the class, you may find yourself bored in the intro classes</p>
<p>You will need to be more proactive in looking for ways to challenge yourself academically.</p>