Looking for a top engineering school where I won't feel left out.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm an Asian guy, and I'm into many nerdy things. I'm a little awkward, but I'm friendly and I make an effort to meet new people. I have my group of friends, and for the most part people are friendly to me. However, I've never truly felt included in any school. I've never had a girlfriend or been to a party, and I've always felt like that stuff just isn't for people like me.</p>

<p>I want to get away from that in college. I want to be around people who share similar interests, and who wouldn't mind just hanging with me. I realize that I have certain things about me I need to change. However, I want to be surrounded by people who will help me grow and accept who I am, rather than shove me with a group of social rejects. I want to be around people who are intellectually-oriented, inclusive, and serious about school, but I also don't want to be around people who stay in their dorms all day, don't shower, and don't want to meet new people. </p>

<p>In many ways, I feel like MIT would be a good fit. I feel like the school embraces nerd culture, but at the same time, the people there are relatively well-adjusted and "normal." They have a top-notch engineering program as well. The only problem is the low acceptance rate.</p>

<p>I've looked into many other schools. I've considered Cal because of its excellent engineering programs and Asian population, but I'm concerned about budget cuts, housing, and cutthroat competition. I've also seriously looked into Cornell, because it too has good engineering programs, and it seems like they have many opportunities for co-ops and internships. The problem is, I get the vibe that the Greek life is oppressive, and if you're not into drinking or partying, or you don't get along with the fraternities, it's impossible to have fun and meet girls. It's exactly this rigid "social hierarchy" I want to get away from. But on the other hand, I'm afraid there won't be enough "normal" people at places like Caltech and Carnegie Mellon.</p>

<p>Are my fears about these schools justified, or am I just overhyping them? Where do you think would be good for me?</p>

2

<p>May we assume that you plan to pursue a scientific or technical major, and that you have the academic chops for schools like Cal EECS and MIT? What about Harvey Mudd, where you would have the opportunity to mix socially with students from the other, very different (but all brainy), consortium colleges? How about Tufts or Georgia Tech? </p>

3

<p>I am pretty confident that I can handle any academics. The problem with Harvey Mudd is that I’m looking for undergrad research opportunities, and so, I’m looking for a places where a Ph.D. is offered. Also, it’s hard to justify going to an out of state public like Georgia Tech when Berkeley is right around the corner.</p>

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<p>Our S loved USoCal Viterbi engineering–they give good merit awards to top students and have programs and events just for the engineering program. It might be worth exploring.</p>

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<p>If you are a California resident, do not be afraid of UCs and CSUs with engineering, particularly the larger campuses. Chances are, out of thousands of students, you will find plenty of students (nerdy or otherwise) whom you will get along with.</p>

6

<p>OP, I need to clarify some things for you.</p>

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<ol>
<li>Because Harvey Mudd is a LAC, going there would actually be your best shot at doing some really intense research. Since there is no graduate school, undergraduate students don’t have to compete with graduate students for funding. That’s one reason why you SHOULD look at Harvey Mudd.</li>
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<a href=“Research | Harvey Mudd College”>https://www.hmc.edu/research/&lt;/a&gt;
Also, I actually encourage you to look at more LACs. They may not have really big names, but they are really great for those who want lab research.</p>

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<ol>
<li>You have to apply to graduate school. You can’t just continue your education at the same school where you went for undergraduate school. It doesn’t work like that. Very few people continue graduate school at the same place they were undergraduates. </li>
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<p>Thanks. I do realize you have to apply to grad school. I was just under the impression that undergrad focused schools didn’t do much research. I’m glad to see that’s not the case.</p>

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<p>If you have the stats for MIT and don’t want Greek life and worry about social exclusion, you should add Rice to the list (great for science/engineering, and is near the top of the list of the “Happiest” colleges and also those with highest “Quality of Life”). Rice also has a large percentage of Asian students (26%). It is extremely friendly and welcoming. Other elite schools with no Greek life include Notre Dame and Princeton among others.</p>

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<p>Never heard of Notre Dame being referred to as an “elite” college before. Be that as it may…</p>

<p>Divorce your undergraduate aspirations from any thoughts about grad school right now. It’s much too early and for engineering the important things to remember about grad school admission are good grades and good GRE scores, whatever your alma mater.</p>

<p>Research is a matter of your own assertiveness. Lots of professors are looking for student help with their research projects. You’ve got to ask them about it.</p>

<p>In addition to Rice U, I’d also look at U of Rochester, Case Western Reserve University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Northwestern, Illinois Institute of Technology, Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.</p>

10

<p>You may consider to add UIUC to your list since they have some of the top engineering programs in the nation. </p>

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<p>If you like MIT then the other [url=“&lt;a href=“http://theaitu.org%22%5DAITU%5B/url”&gt;http://theaitu.org”]AITU[/url</a>} schools will fit you also. Look into the ones which have Ph.D. programs if you want to be involved in research alongside graduate students. Yes, you will find a proportion of students who are the “stay in their rooms” kind but there are plenty of outgoing, well adjusted students as well. i see them every day in my classes at Illinois Tech.</p>

<p>That being said, you can find the same environment in an engineering college at a big public university. The bottom line is that at college you can find your own group, you don’t have to be forced into any social group you don’t want to.</p>

12

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<p>You definitely have a misconception about this. My D2 is just starting her sophomore year at Mudd. She was able to get a research position and stay on campus this past summer, and the same prof has invited her to continue working with him on research during this school year. Every freshman she knew who wanted a research slot on campus last summer got one (so she was on campus researching with her friends all summer, she had a blast). She could definitely research again next summer with the same professor or a different one if she wants to, although she is considering an internship instead since she is not sure if she wants to go right on to graduate school.</p>

<p>Take a look at this list, you will see Mudd does just fine in graduating students who go on to get PhDs:</p>

<p><a href=“Top 50 Schools That Produce Science PhDs - CBS News”>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/top-50-schools-that-produce-science-phds/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You haven’t mentioned your stats, Mudd is a pretty tough admit these days.</p>