I’m down to my last 2 choices and both I will be OOS and the major is engineering. The question is being a regular/small fish from prestigious college or being a bigger fish at a state college is better?
One is a state flagship that has everything I desire from a major standpoint and the campus vibe I liked. At this University I have roughly 65 percent scholarship through a leadership program that includes mentor and interaction with business leader along with 2 week study abroad as well as a wewk trip to Washington to meet with politicians. In addition I have been accepted into the Honors College and been invited to participate in a bridge program for 3 weeks prior to move in date.
Top 20 school has a very unique setting and I enjoy it. It fit more into my beliefs and culture, but will cost more. Not sure as it should be out this week. The cost is not a deal breaker, but want to be responsible with money. I was not selected for any programs that is above and beyond the classroom, not to say I wouldn’t search out other options once on campus.
Any insight or thoughts would be great!
If you want to be responsible with money, go to a state school (in-state)
From your post, it seems that you would have many great opportunities at the state school, and save some money while you’re at it. Unless the Top 20 school offer some must-have aspect, I think you should choose the state school.
Depends on the schools and how much the difference in costs actually turns out to be. I would wait until next week and then compare the actual offers.
@NASA2014 @yonceonhismouth @ThankYouforHelp
Thanks for the responses. Younce that was probably what I wanted to confirm. What is greater, ranking or opportunities.
Once I get all the facts and make decision, I will let you know my decision and the colleges
If you read the book Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be, it is abundantly clear that going to a top school does not always lead to success- it is about making the most of the opportunities at the school you choose. Sounds like your state U has plenty of opportunities for you.
Based on your post, it sounds like you prefer the state school. I say go with that.
Especially in engineering, a state college and a top university are not mutually exclusive.
At the state school, how high is the gpa required for keeping your scholarship?
@snowball 3.0 which I think is obtainable.
@yonceonhismouth I did read that book and is why I’m struggling. I was on a small tour this past summer and a dad said “X” college is ranked higher than yours and I think I left out a laugh.
@TooOld4School could you be more detail of your statement. My assumption is your saying you can’t compare the two?
The one observation I have notice over the last year is internships seem more North and COOP is a South thing. Anyone notice that? What is better or depends on the person?
Do you want to go to grad school?
I’m saying that many state flagships or #2 schools are ranked higher in engineering than their overall ranking. Most of the top 20 private schools are ranked lower in engineering than their overall ranking. Engineering, in particular requires a huge investment in resources (labs & expensive research facilities) that other subject areas do not, and benefits from economies of scale which favor state schools. Private firms who employ a lot of engineers also tend to donate to their top state schools (and provide internships) because the scale of the schools are larger.
Unless you name the specific schools you have been accepted to it would be difficult to make a comparison. You should keep in mind that undergraduate engineering salaries do not vary much, apart from regional differences. Graduate degrees in engineering make a much greater difference. I would encourage you save the money on undergrad and apply it to grad school if you want to maximize your tuition dollar return. 5 year bachelor/masters programs in engineering are pretty common, and there can be a $10-30K/yr difference in starting salary.
I agree with TooOld4School. Your undergrad education does not matter a lot if you are applying to grad school. If you are going to a state flagship, then that is a really good launchpad for grad studies at a more elite school, as long as you put in the work in undergrad.
It sounds like the state school has set you up nicely and you would be happy going there. It also sounds like you understand that a top-20 university guarantees neither happiness nor success (some of them might even induce unhappiness). So the question becomes – what are you going to get at the top-20 school that you would not get at the state flagship? Make a list – and then see if it is worth the extra money.
Also, I would encourage you to consider carefully where you would be more comfortable. In my experience people do their best academic work in a place where they are personally comfortable so that energy can go toward intellectual challenges and the opportunities offered.