Just found out today that I made it off the waitlist at VU. Looking to major in Engineering but undecided as to what type (entering as a Mechanical Engineering major). For those familiar with the engineering programs at both WashU and Vanderbilt, how would you describe any differences between the two? Any insights to share? Pros/cons of either school?
As you would know, these schools place in a tie (at 38th) in their U.S. News engineering category. In a sense, this coincidence might be to your advantage in that it might allow you to choose one of these schools based on its general characteristics rather than for its engineering program specifically.
I’d vote for Vandy for non-engineering reasons: school spirit, D1 sports, Nashville is booming, so easier to find internships?..
But if those don’t appeal to you…
Mechanical Engineering might be more advantageous at WashU since Boeing’s military division (formerly McDonnell Douglas) is there, which might afford decent internship opportunities.
Vanderbilt has a brand new engineering building (3 yr old) and the job market is amazing in Nashville. Really, really good. You also get SEC sports, a prime location, and a city that is way too much fun. Between the two, and assuming it is affordable, Vandy would be my choice easily.
WashU is building a new Engineering building as well. St. Louis has lots of museums and the food and music are underrated. And if you like baseball the Cardinals have tradition.
It’s up to you where you feel the most comfortable.
My D looked into both of these schools in 2013. She wanted to be able to coop and at the time Vanderbilt did not allow it so she took it off her list. WashU allowed it but I believe for only 8 months (2 terms). She did apply. If you are interested in a coop position then I would check to see if Vandy and WashU have changed their policies. It could help make the decision.
look at both schools to see what they require in order to change your major in engineering. At some schools they only allow it after completing a certain number of units and/or have gpa requirements.
I’d also suggest learning more now about the various types of engineering and thinking about what is right for you, talking to those in the fields you are considering, etc. There is little they will do at college that will help you decide which type is right for you. Most engineering students take primarily math and science classes their first year or two, perhaps also an intro class in their field. For you it would be a mech-eng course so that isn’t going to do much to help you decide you’d rather be a Civil engineer or in EE. Engineering school is hard, those at greatest risk of dropping out are often those without a strong drive to see it thru. Not knowing what type (if any) of engineer you want to be seems to raise the risk for you.
WashU does not have a Civil Engineering major so that might not be an option if Mechanical Engineering does not work.