<p>I understand that these are all fantastic engineering schools and are very hard to distinguish between. I simply want to hear others opinions on which school will offer the best education. I am not asking for the one with the best reputation or nicest campus. I want to know which school develops critical thinking skills--which school best prepares you for an actual job? Obviously the differences are subtle, but if anyone has any input it would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I should probably add that I hope to do mechanical engineering.
Thanks for the help</p>
<p>When you get in all four and have to make that decision, let us know. Otherwise, it’s a pointless exercise because although all are great schools, the answer of which is “best” will depend on the individual student, and we’re not you.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is a best. There may or may not be a ‘best for you’. I don’t think any will appreciably help you develop critical thinking skills better than another, or prepare you for a job. But I do think there are appreciable differences not subtle ones, and those you can read all about: curriculum, graduation requirements, course offerings, school culture, setting, extra activities.</p>
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They are in fact very different from one another. Visit, if you haven’t already…And to for the sake of completeness add Caltech.</p>
<p>In really comes down to fit. You will have to work hard in all of them (and CalTech as well), you will learn a ton in all of them, and they are all well-respected in the engineering world, so it really comes down to which environment you would be happiest and most motivated in (because their cultures are quite different).</p>