<p>My son is deciding between Lafayette, Villanova, Trinity University, and Santa Clara (and is still considering Colorado Boulder and Purdue, although he's leaning toward the smaller school environment). All four small schools offer admitted student visit opportunities on the same weekend! Engineering (or computer science/engineering). So many fine choices-he's confused, as am I. </p>
<p>His seach started with Trinity University (closer to home, small size, small classes, great weather, real science and even engineering in an LAC type environment, growing reputation, nice campus, friendly happy students). Led to discovery of Santa Clara (little bigger, more engineering -even better weather, add the "whole person development" from the Jesuit influence--great school, more happy students). Boulder made the list because, while way bigger, it's beautiful (also strong engineering). Maybe colder than desired, it's a sunny, skiing sort of cold. Once he settled on engineering, the search for a smaller school with strong engineering (but also other good programs) led to Villanova and Lafayette (weather not so great, but fine choices in every way, perhaps better known than Trinity and Santa Clara--especially in the engineering world). Finally, if you're looking for Engineering/computer science but can't make Princeton, Stanford, Rice, MIT or CalTech, why not Purdue? Top engineering school, national reputation, good reviews, happy students (but way bigger, and that weather....). </p>
<p>Bottom line, he's got a real mix of great choices, and having visited all but Purdue, is still not sure. Villanova may have the edge, but those palm trees in Santa Clara looked so great, and the mountains in Colorado are so beautiful, Lafayette's campus is gorgeous and the undergraduate engineering program is top-notch, and Trinity is fine, and familiar, and closer (and finally, Purdue is everyone's engineering? "go for it" school). </p>
<p>Anyone care to compare/contrast or reveal the previously unknown factors that make this choice clearer? I know the answer is going to be: "whatever "'fits/feels" right", but we can't be the only ones out there who did the standard tours/visits and and haven't felt the magic tingle (or to put it more positively--think all of these great schools would offer a great experience!). Anyone have a fresh angle/insight, or suggestion on triggering that tingle that don't involve a sleepover at each school? We scoured the internet for "student reviews" to supplement this site and the published materials, but were as likely to encounter superficial negative reports as positive ones, with little clue as to which experience would likely be his. Thanks--this forum and eveyone's inputs has been a fantastic resource, and really helped him get this far down the path to a great final choice.</p>