Companies in the chemical industry will know UM-TC’s reputation in Chem E regardless of its ranking in other engineering specialties.
I’m not saying you should go there (I would pick UW-Madison myself), but I don’t think the above should be a worry.
It’s quite possible for one university to be strong in a particular branch of engineering due to greater investments made over time into that branch (research labs, research teams with top talent, special connections with industry providing research opportunities, etc.) For example 3M is one of the top chemical-based products company in the world, and HQd in Minny. (Other examples are UWash-Seattle’s expertise in CS due to ties/funding to/from Microsoft, etc.)
The “overall” ranking of a university is less important than it’s reputation in the particular field of study you will be studying.
I would choose between UWisconsin if you prefer a cool college town, and UMN-Twin Cities if you want a big city. The college of engineering’s average ACT is 32 with a 93-98% GPA spread, so even the non ChemE students aren’t shabby, and you have a dynamic big city nearby. But personally I believe that the best time to live in a college town is when you’re in college. You have your whole life to live and work in a big ciy if that’s what you want.
@insanedreamer Oh I did not know that but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks
Sorry - I don’t know the specifics of the Chem E program or what specifically ranks it higher. It does seem the Chemistry in general is big at the U - my S had to write a placement test for Chemistry even though he is in the college of liberal arts with no intention of ever taking a chemistry class.
Nestle99 - I will PM you.
@barrons Thanks for the data sheet. Couldn’t find it for some reason.
Yes, both excellent engineering schools. BUT, West Lafayette would have difficulty holding a candle to Madison. And as I always say, if you can afford it, visit them on admit student weekend. :">
Overall, I would pick Wisconsin for the reasons listed above. The one advantage Purdue has for females is a 57:43 male:female ratio while UW-Madison has a 50:50 ratio.
@Zinhead Alright. Thanks.
Is there a cost difference between the schools? That might affect your decision too.
@TooOld4School Cost difference doesn’t matter because I can afford either tuition. I just wanted people’s opinions on which college was better.
@insanedreamer I’m seriously rethinking my choice on UMTC.
If pick between UMTc and UWisc depending on whether you want a city or a college town.
@MYOS1634 Which one is the city and which one is the town? Also, is there much difference?
College town = everything is focused on college students (IE., vs. Old People, familles with toddlers) = LOTS of things to do for young people. Smaller, often with walkable downtown area near the campus. Madison is one of the top college towns in the country.
City = very very large town, regional center and engine of the economy. Lots of companies (msp is one of the top cities for Fortune 500 companies). More museums, cultural venues… In the US, that may mean transportation issues but the Twin Cities have very good public transportation.
^^^Yes to above but would also add than any large university has plenty to do on campus - and this is the convenient option most students tend to choose. A satellite earth view of both universities will also give a bit of a feel for their differences.
FWIW, Chemical engineering majors at Wisconsin are forced to extend their educations into the summer session after senior year to complete the required lab. I don’t know any other school that does that.
https://pubs.wisc.edu/ug/engr_chembio.htm
Every Wisconsin ChemE major does it, so it can’t be that bad, but other schools handle things differently.
My D2 is a ChemE at another school going into senior year next year, and after her labs, she may say she would have preferred this approach. However, currently she seems to very much want to walk and get her diploma with her class. That does not seem to be possible at Wisconsin.
Other schools that have mandatory summer sessions include all Florida public universities for all majors, for students who entered with fewer than 60 credits.
http://www.flbog.edu/documents_regulations/regulations/6.016_technical_change_2009_09_29.pdf
In most cases, they typically recommend taking general education courses in one of the earlier summers, so it is a little different from having an important senior-level major course in the latest possible summer.
@ClassicRockerDad I shall speak to the admissions counsellor about that. Thanks for bringing it up.