Purdue Engineering vs UIUC Undecided vs 3+2 LAC Program

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

Hello, I am an international student who got accepted from all schools mentioned above.
At this point, I have no idea where should I go!! Choosing a college would be my life changing decision.

Purdue FYE

  • Going directly into the engineering program
  • More Internship opportunities
  • However, it is not a highly reputable engineering school like GT and UIUC.

UIUC Undecided

  • Lots of people say it is a better than Purdue overall.
  • Its engineering program is better than that of Purdue.
  • However, there is no guarantee that I can transfer to the engineering department; there would be no engineering-related social bondings or internships for 1 to 2 years

3+2 engineering program

  • I can get 2 degrees in 5 years, but 5 years??? it is still not fascinating for a Korean student who needs to go to army for 2 years.
  • If I maintain 3.3 or above GPA, I can get one degree from Columbia which is one of the best schools in the World.
  • If it is true that only graduate engineering rakings matter, Columbia would be the best school among those schools I got accepted.
  • Again, I can only have 2 years in Columbia. Possibly, few internship opportunities will be given compare to those who were in Columbia since freshman.

What do you think guys? What would be the best choice if you were me?
I would like to hear your opinions and take advices from engineering experts!!!

Thank you so much!!!

2

You’re misinformed. See https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/FactsFigures/Rankings

3

@4kidsdad Thank you for the reply! Oh, its graduate program is as good as those of UIUC and GT. However, I am not sure they are at the same level(or tier) for the undergraduate because I heard that overall ranking is the most important for the undergraduate studies.

4

@4kidsdad I mean Purdue engineering is a great school no doubt!!

5

Again, see Purdue Engineering National Rankings - College of Engineering - Purdue University

6

No one cares about the overall school ranking in engineering. It’s the reason so many state schools have better engineering programs than, say, Harvard.

7

Harvard engineering isn’t that bad. See “Some notable alumni who graduated with degrees in engineering and applied sciences” at https://www.seas.harvard.edu/about-seas/after-harvard

8

There are a lot of 3-2 discussions on these boards. They seem like a good idea, but from speaking with a some of the faculty for such programs (including an Ivy league school), there are many issues that make these less popular than you’d think, including:

  • Many students love the LAC, and don't want to leave,
  • You don't get to graduate with your LAC friends
  • You have to apply for the programs after you're already well into your major...what if you don't get in?
  • You end up with a BS or two, where there are schools that offer a 5 year Masters programs (like Haverford to UPenn).

I’m sure they can be fantastic programs, but they feel risky for an incoming freshman. A lot of moving parts to align.

9

^You don’t see other engineering schools have graduated a baker.

10

Purdue is a fine options. For reasons stated above (and in related threads), for most students I’m not a fan of 3-2 programs

11

I would prefer the 5 years engineering programs with co-op over any 3+2 programs. For example, see https://www.rit.edu/overview/coe

12

@boneh3ad Thank you,So, do you prefer Purdue engineering to Columbia engineering?
@colorado_mom Thank you!! Purdue is great… What is the most significant reason that made you an anti-fan of 3-2?
@EyeVeee Thank you for your advice, I think so too… It is a great program but risky at the same time.
Oh, Furthermore, If I can go to LAC, I can get lots of scholarships which help my parents a lot

13

@4kidsdad Thank you! It seems interesting

14

Purdue has a better reputation than Columbia in general, yes.

15

“^You don’t see other engineering schools have graduated a baker.”

Ironically, the top baking science program in the country is an engineering oriented university :slight_smile:

16

I should have phrased that as “Purdue engineering has a better reputation in general than Columbia engineering.”

17

Re 3-2, there are many reasons. There are fewer logistics issues if both schools are in the same town, but even then it’s usually not a good choice. Engineering has a lot of course sequencing that is not easily done with 3-2 programs. If you really are considering, read through the old threads to learn more.

18

For getting into your major, none is guaranteed:
Purdue (from FYE): https://engineering.purdue.edu/ENE/Academics/FirstYear/T2M
UIUC (from general studies): https://wiki.cites.illinois.edu/wiki/display/ugadvise/Want+to+Change+Your+Major
3+2 at Columbia: https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combined-plan

Purdue is probably the least difficult to get into your major, although you should check Purdue and UIUC to see what the GPA thresholds for your desired major are.

19

Purdue is a good school, and any ABET accredited engineering school with an ABET accredited program in your major is a good school by definition.

UIUC, I would compare the 4 year plans at both schools and see which one fascinates you more …

I don’t know the difficulty of getting in to either engineering program … and it may be major specific. Post on their boards or better yet call both schools and ask. You want to know both minimum GPA and whether that guarantees admission or just lets you compete for a spot. They also know and/or publish % of students that apply vs are admitted.

I would only consider a 3+2 program if you really want a BA degree in some strong interest of yours, more for enrichment than for employment. Also getting 3 years to complete the first 2 might work well if you are not ready for Calc 2 or Physics … and may actually help your GPA if you do well in your non-engineering classes.

20

I would further by asking what percentage of engineering students graduate in 4 years from your schools of interest. Option 1 is simply do a 5th year, and option 2 is to take summer classes and lighten the load somehow. Neither is cheap.

Purdue has the hilariously named ‘Enrollment Management’ policy, meaning - as indicated above - you need a certain GPA to enter some engineering majors after FYE.