Texas A&M, Purdue, or Rice for Mechanical Engineering?

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>My H.S. senior son is a top student (see below if you want to compare where he was accepted).</p>

<p>He wants to pursue Mechanical Engineering, possibly switching to Aeronautical, but still uncertain. In case others are interested in seeing the comparison: he was not accepted into Stanford or Princeton, but was accepted into UC-Berkeley, UC-San Diego, Purdue's honors college program (+$10K/year scholarship), UT-Austin's honors program (+$10K scholarship), Texas A&M's honors college program (several scholarships - almost a free ride), Washington University -St. Louis ($2.5K/year scholarship), and Rice University. </p>

<p>He has narrowed the choice to Rice and A&M. Rice is a small, selective, prestigious private school. Texas A&M is very large, but they really want him; he has so many scholarship offers that the total 4 year cost difference is ~$170K (we are out of state, which needs more). A&M also offered him a scholarship to remain an extra year to earn a M.S. (waive tuition and $23K stipend). But we are struggling with the huge asymmetry between what the two schools offer. besides the $, A&M provides him several scholarships to for his resume. Rice did not offer him anything. </p>

<p>Can engineers out there give me their opinion of these two opportunities with and without taking the $ into account? We are a little overwhelmed. Thanks so much.</p>

<ul>
<li>Nat'l Merit Scholar Finalist, SAT scores in the top 1 %, 3 of 440 for g.p.a. in a high performing H.S., Eagle Scout, 4 years running XCountry & Track, all 5s on AP tests, four years of H.S. engineering electives, Commander of his high school's Air Force Junior ROTC unit, Junior summer week at Navy (SeeBees) engineering honors camp in Ventura-CA, and separately, at U of OK / Tinker AFB engineering honors camp, Captain or Junior ROTC team that won 3rd / ~1000 in national "College Bowl" competition in Wash D.C., Boy's State, FIRST Robotics competition (made it to state), Shell Eco-marathon Vehicle competition (competed in Houston and in MO), many Science Olympiad state medals, etc. Spent a week at the A.F. Academy and a week at Purdue engineering summer camp. Was named one of the top 350 Missouri H.S. Scholars resulting in a 3 week enrichment program at the U. of MO.</li>
</ul>

2

<p>I know you’re looking for somebody who’s currently an engineer (which I’m not), but as a prospective Aggie engineering student I’d say go with A&M. I’m sure you’ve already toured the school by now, and yes it’s huge, but the community is incredibly tight-knit. The whole of College Station revolves around A&M, and the school spirit there is like none other anywhere. The social life is phenomenal and there are so many ways to make friends and get involved that he won’t be lost without direction at a big school if that’s what concerns you. As far as engineering credentials go, US News ranks both A&M and Rice as tied at 17th best Undergraduate Engineering program at schools where doctorate degrees are offered. However, Rice’s Mechanical engineering program doesn’t even make their best mech. engineering list, whereas A&M’s is ranked #17. When it comes to graduate school, A&M is ranked as the 12th best engineering school overall with the 15th best mech. program. Rice is only ranked 31st for engineering and 24th in mechanical engineering specifically. At the end of the day, I’d say save the money and go to the school that’s ranked more highly. Yes it’s big but he’ll make friends and form bonds at A&M that he just couldn’t get anywhere else.</p>

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<p>I would vote for A&M, too, and if you know anything about the Longhorn-Aggie rivalry, that should mean a lot coming from me! A&M is an excellent school. Your son will get an excellent job if he works hard and enjoys what he does.</p>

<p>I would be thankful that your son has such an economical, exciting opportunity at A&M.</p>

<p>I am a structural engineer, by the way. I could have gone to any school, but I chose UT-Austin and got an excellent education. I am glad my parents didn’t spend extra to send me to a more prestigious school.</p>

4

<p>Dear amd339 and MaineLonghorn,</p>

<p>Thanks for providing your insight. I’m a northerner, now living in St. Louis, and am not as knowledgeable about the caliber of these schools as I would like to be (although I certainly know that they’re good schools). I am thinking that the A&M Honors College will provide a smaller setting for my son, especially since he would be among the minority of non-Texans attending. Also, starting in Fall 2012, all freshmen in the A&M Honors program must live in one of the two designated honors dorms.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

5

<p>I now have 2 sons with the same choices and similar stats. I am an engineer, and I also have gone on recruiting events for my company. PM me if you want to discuss this. I have felt and am feeling the importance of the decision. DS2 is currently going through the same decision with the same schools. I can tell you from experience that your son will be humbled by the quality of kids in the TAMU honors program. He originally went because the school spirit and unique culture. The opportunities that he as been afforded in his time there could not possibly have been better.</p>

6

<p>desilu,</p>

<p>Thanks for your comments. We are 95% sure he will attend A&M for engineering and will have to finalize the decision in the next few days.</p>

<p>A couple of particular questions I have are:
We live in the midwest (St. Louis region). If he studies engineering at A&M, will he be able to get the attention of recruiters outside of the Tx region when looking for a job?</p>

<p>He was accepted into the A&M honors program. Will this really ensure that he is in smaller classes (i.e. not in too many huge classes)?</p>

<p>We have a somewhat liberal household (but not super liberal). Will he fit in with the more conservative student body at A&M? He is a well rounded boy with lots of interests and is a big runner, too.</p>

<p>Are there ample opportunities for undergraduate research, summer research, and internships? I presume this would likely be after the sophomore year.</p>

<p>Any other info that you fel would be useful would also be appreciated.</p>

<p>My wife and I both have chemistry Ph.D.s and attended smaller schools for our B.S. degrees and find that we are completely lacking in background for engineering and A&M.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

7

<p>There is a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article that surveyed reciters and TAMU was ranked #2 in the country across all majors for desirability for recruiters. It’s interesting reading. Much of the corporate presence is national and international. You will not be limited to Texas.</p>

<p>The honors classes will be small. Expect huge classes as the norm though. Being in honors will give him the advantage of early registration, so he will be able to get all of his classes. </p>

<p>There are many posts in the TAMU section dealing with the topic of concern about conservative students. Almost every reply describes friendly, inclusive students. The key word there is inclusive. Views may differ, but for the most part, respected. The Honors community is particularly diverse in every meaningful way. You will find that out soon.</p>

<p>The research and internship opportunities are plentiful. Most of DS friends have had multiple research opportunities and internships. The honors community has some impressive people, and they have a wonderful community.</p>

<p>There is an incredible wealth of Engineering organizations at TAMU. It’s a very vibrant and happy community.</p>

8

<p>This is great to hear. </p>

<p>My wife and I are somewhat anxious - first out of the nest syndrome, I guess. My daughter will be entering H.S. this fall and we’ll be pros at this when she applies to colleges. </p>

<p>I ran across a recent article that rated A&M’s engineering honors program #1 in the country, although I think the large number of available scholarships contributed to the rating. </p>

<p>For your boys (Chem Eng), I read where the low cost of natural gas is resulting in more of the large chemical industry coming back to the U.S. Good timing I would think.</p>

<p>Thanks for your information and input.</p>