<p>I've been accepted into both schools, and I'm having a difficult time deciding which one is right for me. I guess i should also mention that I want to major in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.</p>
<p>I know that Georgia Tech is by far the better school for engineering, but I'm concerned my GPA might fall below a 3.0 at Tech, and I really can't afford to stay there without HOPE.</p>
<p>At UGA (which, as I've been told, will be offering both electrical and mechanical engineering degrees for the first time starting this fall) I'm almost certain I could keep HOPE, and I think I have a decent chance of getting into their honors program based on my GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Also, I know more people at UGA (current and future students), and seeing how both Athens and Atlanta are nowhere near where I live, I feel it would be alot easier to adjust to living in a new town with more people I know around. </p>
<p>Is struggling to keep HOPE at Georgia Tech worth it? Based on information given to me when I visited recently, Tech graduates don't seem to earn more than any other engineers.</p>
<p>I think I have until around the first of May or something to make up my mind, but I really want to decide where I'm going soon, so I can go ahead and apply for housing. I've heard alot of bad things about some of the dorms at Tech and UGA, and I don't want to get stuck with a bad one.</p>
<p>It is not a safe bet that you will have a higher GPA at UGA if you major in ME or EE. These are both difficult majors at every school that offers them. If you are a credible candidate for UGA’s honors program, then you are capable of succeeding at GT as long as you put in the effort. It is true that engineering is very flat in terms of starting salaries, but the big difference will be in the choice of companies that will recruit you. Personally, I would be leery of choosing a brand new engineering program over GT given that you will likely have far more companies recruiting you at GT when you graduate.</p>
<p>The environments at Tech and UGA are different. Tech is an engineering-focused school with mostly engineering students, and so you will be in an environment where everyone is an engineering major. I had a few friends who went to Tech (I’m from Atlanta) and they say that social engagements are somewhat limited there, as everyone is studying. It’s also not gender balanced - 70% male, 30% female at last check, although it may be a bit more balanced now. Engineers typically make about the same amount regardless of where they graduated from; I’ve seen more than one experienced parent here say that they’ve hired in that field and graduates don’t make more based on their alma mater. However, yes, you will be much more attractive to top firms with an engineering degree from GT.</p>
<p>Like cltdad said, I wouldn’t assume that you would have a better GPA - engineering is difficult wherever you go. UGA also has the disadvantage that their engineering degrees are new, whereas Tech has the more established program. Employers may be wary because of the new program, vs. welcoming of Tech’s well-reputed graduates. I also wouldn’t choose UGA because you know more people there - most students settle into their new environment well regardless of whether they know people or not. But UGA does have the advantage of being more of a “traditional campus experience” - small college town, big sports, huge campus with lots of different majors around, etc.</p>
<p>I’m a UGA grad but don’t give a hoot about the in-state rivalry. If I were in your situation, I believe I would go to Tech due to their reputation as a top-notch engineering school. Yes, there will be trade-offs, but I believe it will be more in the social scene than in the coursework. If you want an excellent education as well as a balanced life, I’d opt for Georgia. You’ll have to make that choice. Both have many benefits.</p>
<p>I think you should go to GT as UGA’s program will be too new with all the issues that go along with that.</p>
<p>I can understand your GPA concerns, so maybe you can be proactive with that. Are you coming in with any AP credits? Is there a summer class that you can take at a CC that will lighten your load a bit next year? Cal I? Cal II? Frosh Comp?</p>
<p>Congratulations on getting accepted into both schools!</p>
<p>I would recommend Georgia Tech, simply because for engineering GT is world acclaimed.</p>
<p>UGA’s engineering program is new, but that is no reason not to attend. The College of Engineering was established just this semester actually. UGA’s Faculty of Engineering have been in existence since around 2005. The biological engineering program has been around for a while as well. Next fall will be the final phase in of added PhD, Masters and bachelor programs to the College of Engineering. That being said, UGA’s engineering program has been off to a great start from what I’ve been told. The College’s focus is more on environmental, agricultural and biological engineering rather than the typical ME, EE, and CE. The College has gotten considerable research grant dollars in just their single semester in existence, so if you do want to choose UGA - you will be attending a quality program known by the industry. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Georgia Tech is the big dog in the engineering world. Tech’s reputation is undisputed. </p>
<p>As cltdad said, if you get into UGA’s honors program, you will be fine at Tech. You will have to work very hard at either school. They both have considerably rigorous science coursework. </p>