<p>So I'm a senior from NH. </p>
<p>GPA- 4.0 out of 4.8
SAT's- 630 math 610 reading 680 writing
AP's- US History (4 on the test), World History, Biology, Computer Sciences
Couple of extracurricluars (blood drive, math honor society, national honor society, etc.) including work experience since I was 16. </p>
<p>Ive looked at West Virginia University. I really liked the campus and the surrounding area. If i go there id like to go into the biometrics program. Its a nationally recognized program and is sponsored by the FBI. if i were to go to any other schools than i would most likely go into engineering. West Virginia for engineering is ranked in the high 100's. I understand that their biometrics program is great, but its known more as a party school rather than academics. </p>
<p>Do you think i should strive to be at a more academically recognized school? or do you think the saying that "school is what you make it" is applicable in this situation? and anyone who is familiar, how are west virginia academics?</p>
<p>It seems like you have the scores and grades for a very good engineering school if not the top ones. If you’re from New Hampshire, how did you end up with West Virginia? Maybe look at Rennselar Polytechnic, Virginia Tech, Purdue.</p>
<p>Hitch, I’m confused by your post. When did 630 math a score that qualifies for top engineering programs? A good engineering program, sure, but not top, which have students generally above 700 on the Math SAT.</p>
<p>OP, I like your West Virginia idea. Biometrics is a good field, and it sounds like you’re excited by it. I say go for it.</p>
<p>You’re right. I meant to say very good BUT not top. I do think, though, that DunninLA’s concern about going to a better known place has some validity and Purdue and such could be worth trying.</p>
<p>Can you afford the OOS costs for WVU?</p>
<p>I would suspect that if the OP can’t afford the OOS cost of WVU ($25,000 approx. for tuition, fees, room and board) he can’t afford RPI, Purdue or VT. Of those three I’d think Purdue best fits his stats profile. A 630 math score is low for RPI. He’d be solidly in the middle 50th for Purdue and VT.</p>
<p>30,000 is what I’m trying to keep it around.</p>
<p>WVU out of state would be about 21,000 for you. You would automatically get the Blue and Gold level scholarship of 4k per year, you don’t even need to apply for it. The engineering school is decent, you need a minimum 620 math to be accepted directly into engineering.</p>