Purdue vs University of Wisconsin- Madison (Engineering)

<p>I've been accepted into both schools and I am an Illinois resident so it's out of state for both. I'm not entirely sure which branch of engineering I want to go into either, though I have been leaning towards chemical engineering for a while. Which school do you think will be a better choice? I'm essentially torn between the two. Thanks for the help. </p>

<p>What are you thinking about when you ask which is a “better choice”? The quality of the chem engineering programs? Student life, culture generally? Internship opportunities? There are many factors to take into account. What is your priority? </p>

<p>We know engineering kids at Purdue, and they have a fabulous experience, great summer jobs etc. Do they love West Lafayette? no. For a lot of people, Madison is one of the classic, top college towns – school spirit, big football (basketball and hockey not too shabby either . . . .), cool stuff to eat, buy, and do on State St, internships because it is the capital, lots of music comes to town etc. </p>

<p>The one substantive thing I know about UW engineering is that students are admitted to the university as a whole, not into a particular college. Then, depending on the program, you apply after freshman year into a specific program/major within the engineering college. I think my son’s friends were finding out they were admitted this year, as mid-year sophomores, into their program of choice. </p>

<p>So, if you are not crystal clear about which engineering program you want to pursue, one basis for making the decision about where to go to school could include which school affords more latitude to learn about different programs. I don’t know the answer to that. </p>

<p>In terms of student life outside the classroom, many people think Madison is pretty special. </p>

<p>You have two great choices, you really can’t go wrong. Congrats. </p>

<p>you’re OOS for both. What are your parents saying about paying? Have they said how much they’ll pay each year?</p>

<p>I know that UIUC is expensive, did you apply there? If so, did your parents say that they’ll pay all of UIUC’s costs?</p>

<p>Did Purdue offer any merit in their acceptance letter? I think they have an app deadline for scholarship consideration.</p>