<p>Hi, so it's that time of the year when I have to choose where I want to go to school. So here's the thing:</p>
<p>Penn State University Park: Accepted in Division of Undergraduate Studies; I have to pay $41,000 a year with very LITTLE and almost USELESS loans (this is pretty tough on my family); I'm from California but the school is relatively close to some relatives in New York (I really like that)</p>
<p>Purdue: I could choose to be waitlisted for College of Engineering for fall 2010 and/or guarantee admission for spring 2011 (this is my fault, I applied too late); in Indiana, not very close to any relatives; about $38,000 a year (they didn't mention any aid); ranked the highest for undergraduate engineering out of all the schools</p>
<p>Howard: Accepted into School of Engineering; Legacy Scholarship: covers tuition and fees all four years (very nice of them); in DC so it is somewhat close to relatives in NY; I would very much like to experience an HBCU</p>
<p>Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Accepted into School of Engineering; VERY close to home (well, at least compared to other schools...I'm from Los Angeles); B-E-A-utiful campus and city (so I've heard from a lot of people); around $32,000 a year (no aid but it's not too bad)</p>
<p>Where should I go??? They are all such good schools, but I was also thinking about trying to transfer to Cornell for sophomore year. Based on location, reputation, and costs where do you guys think I should go? I'VE GOT 4 WEEKS TO DECIDE!!</p>
<p>I think Howard’s offer is too good to pass up. (If your relatives are in NYC you can get there by train easily from DC, probably in less time than a bus from State College.)</p>
<p>I’d say Cal if money isn’t an issue. If you don’t want any debt out of college then go Howard! I live near DC so Howard isn’t far. I’ve never really been to it, but there’s A LOT to do in DC. Downside is everything is expensive.</p>
<p>OP said “this is pretty tough on my family”, indicating that money is a consideration. Purdue is a state school so it is unlikely you’d get much aid unless you were at the top of their applicant pool.</p>
<p>hmmm…of course I’m from Penn State so I’d pick Penn State over Purdue any day (I kinda refused to apply to any grad schools at other Big Ten schools…big football fan lol.) One thing I will say is that Penn State has a great Office of Engineering Diversity. I would say it rivals any other in the country (Dean of Eng Div recently received 2 career awards at the national NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) convention (Toronto) and has consultanted for the South Korean govt in implementing programs for women in engineering.)</p>
<p>However, money is an issue with you obviously, so I would just go with Howard. I believe Howard even has a summer research program of some kind with Penn State (or at least they did my freshman year). Either way, if you’re worried about prestige for graduate school or anything like that, just work hard and take advantage of opportunities in college and you’ll be fine…I’d go with the money at Howard.</p>
<p>Another note: If you had your heart set on Penn State or anything, They give much more aid after you’re freshman year, especially minorities in engineering ;).</p>