<p>I'm planning on studying civil engineering and I'm stuck between RPI, Case Western, and Lehigh. I know that it is very likely that I will change majors, but I know I will probably stay in the math or science field. If I decide against engineering i will probably end up in Math, Computer Science, or Economics. </p>
<p>As for money, Lehigh didn't give me anything and Case Western gave me a pretty hefty scholarship. I'm still waiting to hear back from RPI on the money situation. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any options on the schools, I'm trying to make my decision and any opinions would be helpful. Anything is welcomed, from dorms, to campus, to social life/student body composition, to academics. Thanks!</p>
<p>I was going to tell you to I lehigh because that’s where I’m going for civil engineering (and I disliked RPI), but if they gave you no money then don’t go</p>
<p>Have you visited them? Or can you? They are all great schools but each has a different vibe - ultimately it depends on what you are looking for. </p>
<p>My son was admitted to Lehigh and RPI as well but decided that Case Western offered more opportunity due to being a large research university. Also he was turned off by Lehigh’s party reputation, and didn’t think RPI was strong enough in humanities offerings (even though he is more engineering/comp sci., he didn’t want to sacrifice strong offerings in the arts & sciences dept.). </p>
<p>Case Western students are smart and fun but don’t really party a lot! Everyone from students to faculty and administration are welcoming and friendly. The dorms are nice and food is decent and housing on-campus is not a problem. They are building new dorms to make sure there’s enough space for growing undergraduate enrollment. </p>
<p>Also I’ve been happy to hear from my son that the administration is very helpful with regards to placement and adding/dropping classes, and academic advising, and the other students are all very supportive of each other. It’s a nice collaborative environment where students want to help each other succeed. </p>
<p>I understand Lehigh has a gorgeous campus but can’t say for sure since DS’s dad did that tour with him. Troy NY is a very sad place and I would have hated to see him chose RPI because of that (fortunately he crossed it off in spite of a generous merit offer so phew!). CWRU is in an amazing part of Cleveland with lots to do just off campus, like Uptown and Little Italy, and University Circle, and not too far away are Coventry and E. 4th Street neighborhoods with really great restaurants when you have time to break from studying. </p>
<p>My son was wowed with the number and caliber of companies that came to their fall internship day program for recruiting CWRU students - who are apparently in high demand with top name corporations. The school also has an excellent reputation with graduates obtaining employment or graduate school placement. (see First Destination survey available online)</p>
<p>Case Western has been on a tear since the current Pres. Barbara Snyder took over in 2007. They are wooing smart kids with huge merit awards and focusing on student success and satisfaction. If you are looking for a party school this isn’t going to be it, but if you want an outstanding education with rigorous academics that will ensure future success then this school is a real bargain right now. </p>
<p>(PS - he was also admitted to Bucknell but passed for same reasons as Lehigh) </p>
<p>Ditto on the above. DS just completed his second year and is very happy there - he had a lot of choices, but he liked the possibility of doing coops. He will be working for the next six months at an engineering firm and will return to school in January. Similar set up to Northeastern, but smaller school and more merit aid.</p>
<p>Certainly Troy NY is not the garden spot of the northeast, but it has its assets. RPI is one of the best engineering universities in the U.S. I happen to like CWRU, too. By they, the Humanities offerings have been expanded at RPI in recent years. Not a lot, but very good for a STEM university. The new multimedia building on campus is great! Plus, there is cross-registration with SUNY Albany.</p>