NC State Engineering v. UNC

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>I was accepted to both UNC and NC State, and I'm really having a tough time making my decision. I've visited both schools many times and can honestly say that I could see myself at either school. At NC State, I would major in either Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering. While at UNC, I would double major in Math + Econ/Business/Physics (not sure which).</p>

<p>I really like the engineering program at NC State. All of the classes for each major are laid out and you simply follow the pathway to graduation. They also have a co-op program that would provide experience which is very important on a resume (or, if the company really likes you, can get you a job straight away) AND earn you money in the process. NCSU also has a great reputation among technological companies in Research Triangle Park. Engineering is such a strong, respected field, I feel like I am almost guaranteed a job.</p>

<p>That being said, I know that UNC is a highly respected school, both in NC and out of NC. Very few people from my school were accepted, and so far, I know of 10 people going, and only 3 declining. However, unlike the Engineering program at NCSU, UNC doesn't necessarily guarantee you get the classes for your desired major. My brother goes to UNC and absolutely loves it. But, he is having a hard time getting the classes he NEEDS for his major. He is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish and Philosophy, with the intention of going to medical school. This summer, he is taking a Spanish class that he was unable to schedule since he was a freshman (currently a rising junior) as well as a math and physics class that he needs for his major.</p>

<p>My ultimate goal academically is to get an MBA from a top 10 MBA program (after a few years of working). I would absolutely love to work at a tech company (think IBM, GE, Google, Apple, etc.), and then go into management at said company.</p>

<p>I'm feeling pressured to go to UNC because it has such a high academic reputation, but I really love engineering and its job prospects. My parents want me to have made my decision by tonight because May 1st is on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Any help would be greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>I mean if you are going to get an mba in the future id say unc. but if you want a career in engineering id say nc st.</p>

3

<p>I can’t do both?</p>

4

<p>MBA is a masters in business administration i think you be wasting your money to get one if you want to do tech work. You dont have to be business oriented to get a tech job at apple. An accountant won’t help the design of a new ipad you know what im saying. But do what you want im just giving you my 2 cnts.</p>

5

<p>I may have been a little unclear. What I mean is that I love technology companies. I don’t necessarily want to do hardcore engineering work for the rest of my life, which is why I want the MBA. The undergraduate in engineering is merely a stepping stone to get a job after college in order to work for a few years and then go into management. It’s important for those in management to have knowledge about what the company does, hence the engineering.</p>

6

<p>Anyone else?</p>

7

<p>I’ve got 2 hours to make my decision.</p>

8

<p>Score good grades undergrad in NC State’s engineering programs and you’ll be well on your way to great job prospects post grad (and ultimately great MBA app prospects). Most engineering management rose through the ranks, doing exactly what you’re proposing - 3-5 years of “real” engineering work before either taking time off for an MBA or doing it part time (esp if the job will pay your way). CH will offer a great education but no better than NC State. And while prestige at CH is generally greater, the prestige that comes from surviving an engineering curriculum and living to tell the tale more than compensates. On top of that, town-gown couldn’t be better with NC State’s Centennial campus presenting one of the strongest university based partnerships with established private businesses and start-ups (think Red Hat). Can’t go wrong either way, but if its engineering you want to do, go do it.</p>

9

<p>wbwa,</p>

<p>Thanks for your input. I’ve been leaning more towards engineering day after day. Funny you mention Red Hat, I have a second cousin who graduated from NC State (undergraduate and Master’s) who works there. Looks like I’ve made my decision, engineering at NC State. Now I just have to decide what type. :\ Luckily, NCSU has a common first year across all engineering disciplines, so I’ll have a year to decide.</p>

<p>I greatly appreciate your help!</p>

10

<p>Congrats on your decision. I think you’ve made a wise decision.
My S loved his four years at NCSU.</p>