<p>My son is graduating this year. He is definitely interested in Engineering. The choices are U Buffalo, UMass Lowell, Albany, U Rhode Island. He got into the honors programs at URI, U Mass and Buffalo as well. He is a very bright kid, but NOT used to having to do a lot of work, and is an Asperger kid. We went to Buffalo this past weekend and I found it very intimidating,(and I am an alumnus) in the sense that I felt like I was at a Harvard address instead of SUNY. I know they have incredible research opportunities and a high ranking, but I don't know if I am setting him up for success or failure. URI is ranked quite a bit lower, but it is smaller and I am thinking that since the criteria for acceptance is lower, perhaps the program wont be as intense? Or is the material the material regardless of school, for Engineering? UMass Lowell not sure about because of the commuter comments about it, and 3 campuses. And crime stats/ We are scheduled to go there and URI this Saturday for their accepted students programs...though we may just do URI otherwise we will be missing something at both....and we are hitting Albany on Sunday for their program - but they ONLY have Nanoscience Eng and I am concerned if he doesn't get into the program what does he do. Stony Brook is about a mile away from home, so not sure if he would live there or not, and it has the commuter status, but great program and research...HELP!</p>
<p>At UML the engineering program is entirely on the north campus, so he won’t need to take the shuttle over to the other two campuses very much if at all. Lots of great new facilities have been built over the past few years with more in progress. And the city of Lowell has lots to offer students as well in especially in terms of ethnic restaurants.
I don’t know anything about the other schools and how they compare, but the engineering program at UML is very good so I do think you should try to attend the accepted students day.
Engineering is hard work anywhere, but worth it for students who are interested in the material.</p>
<p>Check each for ABET accreditation for the field he’d like. <a href=“http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx”>http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx</a> In that instance the material is the material. It’s a good point about small schools and their potential support to students. I don’t see a problem with any of the schools but I can understand why you’d look for a more nurturing environment. Good luck.</p>
<p>Second the solid reputation of UMass-Lowell engineering. Congrats on the scholarship, as UML is said to be a bit of a skinflint when it comes to Financial Aid.</p>
<p>My DD is graduating from Buffalo’s Engineering program in May (ChemE). She has enjoyed her 4 years there and has made a nice group of friends since Freshman year in the honors dorm. They are all now deciding on which grad schools to attend or have jobs waiting. The work load is relative and she was challenged but not overwhelmed( she is a very strong student). My impression is Buffalo is less intense then lets say Cornell but all Eng programs are challenging. Profs were accessible and she had opportunities for involvement and research. Depending on your eng major there is a smaller more personal community with in the larger School of eng. My DD boyfriend is Elec Eng and he also had a good experience there. It comes down to fit so accepted students day is key, that sealed the deal for my DD four years ago. Buffalo was the last place I saw my dtr but what a pleasant surprise it was, a nice campus, dorms and well rounded experience. Even the weather was good till this winter( a little more snow but not too much) and they loved going night skiing on buses from campus weekly. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>URI isn’t financially supported well by the state at all.</p>
<p>My son LOVED Accepted students day. I did hear from another that RI is a “poor” state, so hear the not supported by the state. But I also read about a large endowment. OY. We shall see UMass and RI. And compare. Thanks all, and any other responses welcome!</p>
<p>My son was very impressed with Lowell several years ago, for computer science/engineering. The faculty were impressive,and all kinds of opportunties. I don’t know much about the other schools but am glad you are still going to Lowell’s accepted students’ day.</p>
<p>I myself love Lowell and got teased by everyone for taking my family there on school vacation. Now that my nest is empty I am actually considering moving there!</p>
<p>If his mind is set on Engineering, I would steer away from University at Albany which only has NANO Engineering, One of my son’s senior friends who was also looking at Albany said that it is not yet an accredited program, so that might be something to consider. University at Buffalo definitely has a stronger Engineering reputation within SUNY. </p>
<p>My son goes to Buffalo; they have a first year engineering dorm hall if you don’t want the honors housing. The RA’s will be engineers and help out the freshmen and it might be nice to have dorm mates who are taking the same classes as you. Also, their first semester is not geared at “weeding out” the first year engineering class is more about confirming what specialty of engineering you want to do. There are a lot of accredited programs in the engineering school.</p>
<p>At UML engineering is tops. With that said, a lot of kids who go in with engineering as their major soon switch to something else since it is A LOT of work. After the extensive classes there is hours of homework. If you son isn’t into doing homework he might want to pick a different major. It may save him some time, money & heartache later.</p>
<p>Hi gerbilmom! Funny to find you on here. I will not add much as we can talk. These responses and yours did remind me though that when Son2 was applying, Hubby was concerned with economic state of RI. May be a great fit though. Check out their career fair listings of employers though. The summer internships are very important in engineering. (Did you know the W.A. and I found each other on the Miami/Tulane threads when her D2 was looking. Small world even on CC.)</p>
<p>As stated above, if you want engineering, stear clear of SUNY-Albany. It is a very new, limited program. I am sure it is good for what it is. Suny-Albany is quite prominent in the nano field. However, even if that is exactly what your son wants to pursue, I would suggest getting a broader degree and studying nanotech in grad school. Albany doesn’t have anything else engineering related. They are better known for the social science, education, public policy, etc.</p>
<p>Absolutely, Stoneybrook. You have no idea how things are going to go with him as you know he has challenges that many other kids do not have. Better you are around the corner if something happens. Even with kids who are “normal”, these are the difficult years when crossing the threshhold into young adulthood, and the mental health and hormone demons start getting red hot. Not just for your kid but for many of them, and stupid things happen. I ;ve had make many a long drive, because of some issue or other, and I nearly yanked on of my kids out of school because of it. I would not be as concerned about the academics as much as the social interactions from others as well as from your son and also he may need help in executive function in terms of living on his own and scheduling his time. A lot of kids have trouble with this, but in his case, he has other issues as well. IMO, if he lives at Stoneybrook, he can make this transition with you nearby if anything needs your help. Believe me you do not want to be driving at breakneck speed up the NY Thruway after getting some garbled phone call or some unsettling news. </p>