So I want to major in either physics or engineering.
Holy Cross: Definitely has the best overall education but is also the most expensive. I would enter the 3-2 engineering program with Columbia. I understand it would be tough to leave after 3 years but I think I would be able to handle it.
UMASS: It has a pretty good physics and engineering program. I am not that pretentious, but the prestige isn’t quite at the level I am looking for (most of my high school will be going to UMASS, including the not-so-strong students). However, the sheer size of the school can help with the exclusivity issue.
Virginia Tech: Similar to UMASS, but leaving my home state and meeting all new people sounds really cool. The campus of Tech is definitely the nicest of the three. Engineering program is pretty strong and I’m not too sure about their physics program.
Overall, I know I will have fun at whichever school I decide to go to. I’m just having a tough time weighing the value of each of the schools. I feel the fresh perspectives will help me out a little.
Don’t choose the 3-2 option. Statistically, most students don’t go through with it. They don’t want to leave their college before the best (senior) year of the experience. Plus an extra year of tuition. And in the end you will only have a bachelors degree.
Another option to consider is Haverford’s 4+1 program with Penn. 3 years at Haverford, 1 year mixed, and one year at Penn. And you end up with a BS from Haverford and a MS from Penn.
But if you are determined to choose from the three you listed, I agree with @LBad96 that Virginia Tech is the best option.
@STEM2017@LBad96 If I were to complete the 3-2 at Holy Cross I would come out with a BA from Holy Cross and a BS from Columbia. Also, if it’s something I really want to do then I will finish the 3-2 despite the statistics. Even if I don’t finish the 3-2 and I find that engineering really isn’t right for me, I’ll still have a degree from Holy Cross. As for Virginia Tech, what is the differentiator that makes VT the best option?
Columbia as the “2” school has grade and GPA requirements to transfer, and does NOT promise as good financial aid for 3+2 students as other transfers or frosh. Also, five years may cost more than four.
However, check also the GPA requirements to get into your major at VT and UMass.
VT is a well-known and excellent engineering school and you have already been admitted into the program. The school is beautiful and I think you’d enjoy it. Forgoing that opportunity for the uncertainly of a 3-2 program, and given that you’d have to pay for 5 years and Holy Cross is more expensive than VT, I can’t see how Holy Cross makes sense.
However, since you have stated that cost is a factor, is VT affordable for you?
VT requires you to earn a 3.0 GPA to guarantee entry to an engineering major after you enter in frosh general engineering. Lower GPA students may be admitted by GPA on a space available basis. http://www.enge.vt.edu/undergraduate-changing-majors.html
Virginia Tech is not a super competitive environment, at least did not seem to be for my son (anecdotal of course). They admit to the engineering school directly and will put you in university studies first if there is any doubt about your abilities . If you get into general engineering, they think you can do the work. Getting a 3.0 is not at all impossible . They are not trying to weed you out. Or at least never had that vibe about it.