<p>Hi! I'm a girl looking to major in mechanical engineering. I'm having a really hard time picking a school. I like RPI because it has the superior engineering program, the co-terminal program for getting one's master's degree in five years, and more choices in engineering majors. I also could really use the ratio to my advantage, and I'm very used to having male friends and teammates. however, the location is awful there, people are very negative about the school, and I simply don't think I'll have as much fun. I really liked all the girls I met who went there though, and I feel like I could be very involved with clubs to fill my time. The campus is also incredibly beautiful, and I really feel at home there. </p>
<p>Northeastern would be a blast because Boston is simply the optimal place to be. I can't decide how I feel about the co-op program because it forces you to graduate in five years and people are leaving campus for six months very frequently which could be disruptive socially. However, it clearly is a valuable experience that puts you ahead. I just know that you can do co-ops at RPI too. Northeastern is also more diverse - more people in different majors and more people from places other than the tri-state area. And I'd have more flexibility if I decided I don't like engineering. </p>
<p>GW was out of the question until they recently gave me an enormous scholarship. I really liked the vibe when I visited, and I love DC. Engineering is really small there so I'd get a lot of attention, but it still isn't on par with RPI. </p>
<p>Help! Should I value academics, fun, or money? I'm not too concerned about my financial situation and I also will probably make a seizable salary as an engineer. Can anyone attest to how important location is when you're an engineering major? Is there even time to go off campus often if you're that busy studying? How much better is RPI's engineering than Northeastern's engineering and GW's engineering? Is it worth four years in Troy, NY?</p>