<p>Hi, I always like to read what other engineers have to say on this site. So I was wondering if I could get some advice. </p>
<p>I'm a transfer student signed up to go to a private, large, engineering school. Well, actually I'm going to a smaller branch campus that closer to where I live. I like the school for it's solid engineering program and the strong reputation it has in the area. But I just realized something. For social reasons, I don't think I'm going to be happy. </p>
<p>Because this is a branch campus, all the clubs and engineering societies I dreamed of joining are held at the main campus an hour away from where I am so I think it will be a lot harder to be active in them. Also, my campus is a small commuter campus, so I'm afraid it will be harder to make a lot of friends. I spent two years at community college and am worried bc the branch campus is set up very similar to a community college. I really don't want to look back at my college experience and feel like I spent 5 years in a a community college like setting. </p>
<p>My alternative is a decent sized public university just 10 minutes away from where I live, that wouldn't have the problems I described. It's not as good of an engineering school. But I like the friendly atmosphere. </p>
<p>School starts in a few weeks, so I need to decide what I'm going to do fast. Please give any advice in making my decistion! If it helps, the schools are Drexel and Rowan. I'm a girl, so maybe that's why I care a bit about the social aspects.
Thank you.</p>
<p>If you “dreamed” of joining those societies then attend a school where you can join and be active in the societies.</p>
<p>Now I do not particularly know HOW a society will help you job-wise…but still.</p>
<p>I wanted to join the society for women engineers and engineers without borders. I’m just excited at being around other engineering majors. Maybe it will be something to put on my resume too as I haven’t had a co-op or internship yet.</p>
<p>I would say go to the main campus if you could. But I’m guessing that is not an option. Is there anyway you could participate in the activities at one and go to school at the other.</p>
<p>If neither is really an option I would choose where I would be the happiest. You will probably make connections in those societies that will outweigh having the prestige. I think that would be the public school in your case.</p>
<p>Drexel has branch campuses? Imthought they had just the one with the two little satellites related to medicine.</p>
<p>At any rate, be careful because oftenthe engineering reputation of a major school doesn’t carry over to it’s branch campuses. For example UT-Austin vs UT-Arlington or Purdue vs Purdue-Calumet. It depends on if they share the same faculty, which isn’t usually the case.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would try to get onto the main campus of Drexel. If that is an option, it is your best option. Otherwise it is really up to you. Drexel is the better national brand. Rowan isn’t really known outside of that area to be honest.</p>
<p>decide whats more important to you: the clubs or the atmosphere. Then choose from there. go where you are happy</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. </p>
<p>Drexel’s engineering school has a campus in NJ, which is where I live. It’s taught by the same faculty as the main campus who even say the kids here do better here due to small class sizes.<br>
I can’t afford to live at the main campus. After scholarships, Drexel will cost 15k a year, while Rowan is 5k.</p>