Louisiana State University or the University of Minnesota

College Search & Selection
1

Okay, so I recently just received a large scholarship award from Louisiana State University that will make the cost of attendance pretty much identical to the University of Minnesota. I am going to major in chemical engineering but I am not certain which school to attend.

I have not visited either school but I know the Louisiana has more mild winter weather than Minnesota and has an abundance of oil companies that recruit students from that school. I also was awarded a $1550 a year work study through the school that will allow me to do one-on-one research with a individual in my field that will expose me to the field of chemical engineering my freshman through senior year. The social scene also seems great. Huge football school with lots going on. Don’t get me wrong, I take my academics very seriously, 32 ACT and 4.3 GPA, but i also like to relax and have a good time.

In regards to the University of Minnesota, I see that it is ranked 3rd for chemical engineering being just under MIT and Cal Tech. I also saw that there are many Fortune 500 companies in Minneapolis that also have great recruiting opportunities. However, the campus seems really spread out, and I am concerned about the ability to make friends and have a rewarding social life while at the “U”.

I don’t know an overwhelming amount about either of the schools so any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Would a more rewarding social life at Louisiana State along with many oil opportunities outweigh a high ranked chemE program at the University of Minnesota? Or should I just commit to Minnesota?

Again, thank you so much for any help you can bring.

2

University of Minnesota would still win hands down in my opinion. I don’t think you’d have trouble having a good time there and job opportunities will be excellent. The only reason you could pick LSU is weather, perhaps?

3

You’ve succinctly described the differences between UMinnesota and LSU, so what’s your dilemma? What is your preference in terms of the assets of each university?

4

Oil industry is heading for a bust, IMO.

5

It’s already tanking (my school had to cancel its petroleum career fair this year), but whether that will reflect the state of industry in 5-6 years time is anyone’s guess.

Frankly I think the concerns about Minnesota are overblown and ignore the fact that it is a much better funded school with plenty of options for social interaction, a generally far superior student body,and likely stronger academics across the board should you change your major.

6

I agree with the vote for Minnesota, especially since you’re interested in ChemE. Then again, I’m also a potential ChemE major whose dream is Minnesota. I’ve been accepted to CSE, but now I’m working my hardest to get my financial aid in order so I can attend, even though I’m getting decent merit elsewhere already. The program there is really strong, and the campus is amazing (if you have any specific questions, I have toured so I could try to answer them). Internship and research opportunities in the Twin Cities are abundant. The only downfall is the cold, but hey- there’s tunnels.