How to explore engineering programs?

<p>That makes sense. Uva is pretty good in eng. and has decided to improve that area over the next 10 years.</p>

<p>Hi everyone. It has been interesting to read everyones posts. My husband and I both attended Rensselaer (RPI). He was a EE I was a management major. My son is now looking at eng. as well. We have looked at many programs. I think the key to finding a good fit in a program is deciding about what kind of engineer you want to be. My son does not want to be a hard core engineer, in fact he is focused on getting an MBA after his engineering degree. Schools like RPI and MIT etc...are for hard core engineers in my opinion. My son is applying EA to a school where most of the engineers get jobs on Wall St. It is an engineering program within a bigger school. This is exactly what he is looking for. I also believe, (the management in me) that it is important to find a program where the 'soft skills' are stressed. For years some of the top engineering schools were putting engineers out into industry who have absolutely no skills in dealing with people! I am proud to see that schools like RPI are now mandating all their eng. students to attend leadership seminars and take classes that teach them the vital communication skills they need in the workplace. RPI also has an amazing entrepreneurship program for its students that shouldn't be overlooked. I see that Olin also offers (requires ?) this as well. </p>

<p>Good luck everyone!</p>