<p>pretty much full rides to both
In both, I'd be part of the schools of engineering
Though Vandy comes out higher overall (on usnews), UF's engineering schools is ranked higher
I'm skeptical about the methodology of this stat and want to know if anyone has any personal insight on UF Engineering</p>
<p>Well it depends on where you see yourself pursuing your career, and if you plan on going to grad school.</p>
<p>Which specific type of engineering are you interested it? UF’s engineering college is strong, but Vanderbilt overall is pretty strong. Some departments in the college of engineering are better then others (at UF) so if you can be a little more specific I can give you better info, as a UF Engineer myself.</p>
<p>Either way you can’t go wrong on this one.</p>
<p>Well I’m most interested in computer/electrical engineering and from what I’ve seen, most Vandy engineers are involved in biomedical engineering or chemical engineering</p>
<p>^ I was just going to say that. Vandy is well-known in the biosciences, but much less well-known in areas related to electrical and computer engineering.</p>
<p>Since they’re probably pretty comparable in terms of rankings, I would just tour both and see where you feel most comfortable.</p>
<p>You should also keep in mind that something like 80% of freshman change their majors over the course of their careers. It may be safer to commit to the school with the better reputation in the area that you plan to work rather than commit to a school based on how the major is ranked.</p>
<p>Last year, son received the Conelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. The Vanderbilt Scholarship in the Engineering College covered full 4-yrs tuition, fees, generous research stipend + money towards a computer. Additionally, the National Merit benefit from Vandy was significant per year. Ironically, the cost of room and board still exceeded what we would be paying for UF after Bright Futures and Prepaid Tuition. </p>
<p>We were ecstatic after son received the scholarship and then went to Nashville. Vanderbilt was absolutely beautiful and everyone was extraordinarily friendly but after spending the day, we all knew it was not the right place for son. </p>
<p>Son is majoring in Aerospace Engineering at UF (and pursuing a dual degree in Physics as well). The closest major at Vandy Engineering was Mechanical and when son toured the labs, he was shown students engineering prosthetic limbs. It is a wonderful pursuit, but not what son is passionate about. Vandy’s biomedical engineering program is extremely strong - again, not son’s interest. </p>
<p>We were wondering if Vandy is trying to make strides in their Engineering program in the other areas and move up in the ranks, but then had the gnawing feeling that it was not going to make major breakthroughs considering it is the oldest Engineering school in the south. It’s not exactly an ‘up-and-comer’. When son spoke to a professor hand-picked for him, the professor summarily dismissed son’s outside interests and said that it was not part of the curriculum.</p>
<p>It was difficult for us to turn down a wonderful, top-20 private school for UF, but after visiting both schools, we know son made the right choice and did what was right for him. I think you need to visit as well and get a sense of the programs you are interested in, the research opportunities available and the overall campus ‘feel’.</p>
<p>UF is a very large school and you have to work more independently than at a smaller private to achieve your goals, but there are incredible opportunities there. We’re still waiting for that special professor/mentor to enter our son’s life, but we are very sure son made the best choice, given our financial constraints (could not afford 1st choice without incurring significant debt). Son is very happy and thriving at UF, and it’s a lot easier to visit!</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot Siesta</p>
<p>Based on a lot that I’ve heard regarding the Vandy Engineering department, I’m actually considering a major in mathematics and maybe a minor in physics. At this point I don’t think I’m as sure about which field I want to move into as your son was.</p>
<p>It is good to hear that he’s happy at UF. I just really hope I don’t make a bad decision</p>