<p>I was accepted to five schools (Purdue, VT, NC State U, USCarolina, and Clemson) and wait listed at UMichigan. I have narrowed my choices down to Purdue and Virginia Tech. I know I want to major in engineering, but there's a very small chance I'll switch to computer science if I don't like it. I think I want to do aerospace or mechanical engineering. Civil engineering just doesn't seem like it would fit me as well, and I don't want to go to graduate school, so nuclear engineering is out, too. Purdue costs about $10k more than VT (Purdue ~ $41k VT ~ $31k, out of state for both), but I will be getting quite a bit of help from my parents. They plan on paying for all of my college, but it's not like money isn't an object. I'm leaning towards Purdue. I think the extra $10k/yr is worth the difference in programs. I know they're both great engineering schools, but I think Purdue is much better than even Virginia Tech. Purdue is 4th in Aerospace and 7th in Mechanical. I plan on doing very well, so hopefully I receive a lot of money after my freshman year. I received a 5 on my AP Calc AB exam last year, and I'm confident I'll get a 5 this year on AP Calc BC. On the practice exam for AP Physics: Mechanics, I scored well into the top 1/2 of 1% of people taking the exam. I got 760 in math (2 silly mistakes, I knew how to do all the problems easily) and 680 in English SAT's. My GPA is only about 3.68, but that's because I wasn't mature my freshman and sophomore years. I had about a 3.8-3.9 my junior year, and I have around a 4.2 this year. I think I will do well, even at a school as competitive as Purdue. </p>
<p>My questions are: Which school should I choose and why? and How likely is it that I'll get a lot of money my sophomore year if I do well?</p>
<p>It usually doesn’t work like that. Most scholarship $ are directed toward incoming freshmen. You might get some minor departmental scholarships worth a couple of thousand. [Purdue</a> University Division of Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.purdue.edu/dfa/sandg.php]Purdue”>http://www.purdue.edu/dfa/sandg.php) If your parents really can afford Purdue OOS then you should probably go. It does have the better engineering program. Your in-state U might have cost even less.</p>
<p>Have you visited either campus to see fit? Ruled out NC State too. Hmm I thought they were very good with regards to engineering. I would definitely make a trip to see fit with campuses. Not just rank and costs.</p>
<p>Do you have a preference for either area work-wise afterward? Many engineering firms like to do their new hires from the local (regional) schools they like - not to mention, often have a fair number of alumni already working there (adds to the bias and the camaraderie).</p>
<p>I’m a Purdue alum, and I have worked closely with both grads and faculty of VT. However I don’t have direct familiarity with the undergrad curriculum at VT.</p>
<p>VT is a good school but Purdue is a higher tier. Purdue is more of a national university while VT is more regional.</p>
<p>If you’re doing AAE there is no comparison - Purdue is the cradle of astronauts.</p>
<p>But - they are very different places in terms of culture, geography, climate. I grew up in Charlotte and Norfolk and going to Purdue was a culture and climate shock to me. I’m sure Blacksburg would also have been, but probably less so. </p>
<p>USC does not belong in the list you have. All the other schools you listed are the flagship engineering schools in their respective states, and you would not do wrong at any of them. I would choose among any of them based on cost and culture more than anything else. </p>
<p>Chance of getting more money after freshman year? Roughly zero.</p>
<p>Just because your parents are willing to spend doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop for value. The best value among that group will be your in-state school unless the other schools are giving you money, which it sounds like they aren’t.</p>
<p>VT has a remarkable engineering program, and is located in a great college town. While the school itself may not stand out as a top university, the engineering program should be regarded on a completely different scale. Both Perdue and Tech are good schools and a degree from either will have its merits. Tech has groups of engineering students that just study all the time, and those that take advantage of the atmosphere at the school. If you are looking for a good time outside of classes as well as top notch academics, choose Tech. If academics are most important to you, Perdue might be the better school for you.</p>
<p>Regarding Purdue vs VT. I was surprised that NCSU dropped off his list. How do you judge UMiami against NCSU and VT? I guess UM is not as good for engineering? I am doing mechanical engineering and must choose soon. What do you think from a curriculum AND lifestyle choice? I like to study AND enjoy.</p>