I’ve been accepted to both schools and I can’t decide which to attend. The cost will end up being the same for both. I plan to major in mechanical engineering and probably pursue a master’s degree afterwards. The two most important factors for me are: social life and internships and co-ops. Which University is better regarding this two factors??
Have you visited both?
Congratulations on being accepted to both. I can speak mostly to Purdue because I have a child there. First as to co-ops. Purdue has an excellent Office of Professional Practices. They offer 5 term, 3 term co-ops and internships. My D has had an excellent experience in her Chem E co-op. Purdue also has a huge engineering career fair in the fall and spring. My D interviewed for 5 co-op positions and was offered jobs at 4 of them.
Purdue has plenty to do socially, however, I suspect the campuses will feel rather different GT. W. Lafayette/Lafayette are about an hour to 2.5 hours away from major metro areas. It is a large enough school that you’ll always have things going on but they will be more university based than city based. One thing I will say is that the area seems very safe. I walk around the campus and across the pedestrian bridge to Lafayette quite often when I’m visiting and have never felt concerned or uncomfortable. I know GT is in Atlanta and don’t know enough to make a comment concerning campus and surrounding area safety.
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The cost will end up being the same for both.
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What are your parents saying about paying all costs for either school??
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I plan to major in mechanical engineering and probably pursue a master's degree afterwards. The two most important factors for me are: social life and internships and co-ops. Which University is better regarding this two factors??
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Purdue may have a better social life internally. GT is in Atlanta which has some perks.
Both are fine for internships and co-ops.
OP, I think the biggest difference is that GTech is based in a major city and that by itself provides more advantages/access to a wider variety of social engagement and coop/part-time job/internship opportunities. My D2 is a Junior studying MechE and have had no shortage of research or internships gigs. In her case, she has been working part-time (10-15 hrs per week) at local companies for the last 3 semesters, her forte being 3-D modeling (both structural and mechanical design). She is pursued by local startups as well. Having said that and based on my D2’s experience of having a heavy course load while trying to maintain a very high GPA (she wants to go to B-school down the road), I would say one could get by doing limited internships but thus be more picky.
If you are a male student, I think Purdue will have a better male/female ratio than GTech. In terms of sports following, I guess both would be pretty similar. Atlanta, as a major transportation hub also helps. Being in midtown Atlanta, GTech has more neighboring crime than many campuses I am sure. But then I have always maintained that one cannot always choose where to work, so sooner that one get’s used to all walks of life the better.
Don’t know about Purdue but GTech has over 45% of its students study overseas before they graduate. My D2 is planning to do so next semester at the campus in Lorraine, France. As an OOS student, she will pay in-state tuition during that stint.
Thank you all for answering. Unfortunately, I’m an international student and won’t be able to visit neither schools. My parents said that I should make the decision I think it’s best and they’ll support me, since both cost the same and have similar reputations. I known that both schools have great reputation within the industry, so my decision will be based on which school will provide me the best opportunities to stand out, through internships, co-ops, research or other extra-curricular.
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I’m an international student and won’t be able to visit neither schools.
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Just so you know…
“I’m an international student and won’t be able to visit either school.”
Now that we know that you’re an int’l student, getting co-ops and internships can be more difficult.
Don’t know if one’s school’s location might be better for an int’l. Anyone else think that Atlanta might be better?
What do you mean by social life is important? What is “social life” to you?
Not sure if you will be getting visitors from abroad but a factor you may want to consider is that Atlanta’s airport makes travel very convenient for GT students. Closest airport to Purdue is Indianapolis which I think is about 1 hour away. I’m sure they have international flights but probably not as many compared to Atlanta. Just something to think about. If you are use to a large city you may prefer Atlanta. GT is an amazing school and the campus is beautiful. I was accepted but still weighing my options. @Crazystudent58