UIUC v. UT-Austin v. Wisconsin - mechanical engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
1

<p>My son (Indiana resident) has been accepted to UT Austin, Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) and Wisconsin (Madison) as well as Purdue (with scholarship $).</p>

<p>I would love opinions regarding the pluses and minuses of each. Although Purdue is clearly the cheapest, it is at the bottom of the list. (Would like to see him get out of Indiana, plus Purdue does not seem to be as well-rounded of a university if he decides to switch majors.)</p>

<p>My concerns with each - UT Austin: size (enormous), distractions (son loves live music of all kinds) and distance from home (not even a direct flight) Illinois: intensity (engineering school super impressive but on a tour they seemed super stressed and appeared not to have seen natural sunshine in quite a long time) and popularity of Greek system (would rather not have to be a part of that), Wisconsin - weather (freezing, obviously) and reputation/placement for engineering students (not as strong as Illinois but still a top-notch school).</p>

<p>People unanimously praise Austin, Texas, but perhaps that is the city more than the University itself? My vote currently is for Wisconsin, where the students looked happy to be there, I can get to in about 6 hours, and has the perhaps the most loyal alumni ever.</p>

<p>One last thing: at Wisconsin son would have to apply to the Department of Mechanical Engineering - is not already in. While he is a National Merit Finalist, 2200 SAT, 33 ACT, top 6% of his graduating class, has juggled sport, music and volunteering at a giant competitive public high school I am a bit concerned about the workload for a first year engineering student at any of these schools, for a type "B" personality kid - NOT a super competitive kid, so far. I do have concerns about these schools' retention rates for engineering students, even after the first year.</p>

<p>So sorry to be long-winded - we plan to re-visit Wisconsin and Illinois, (and are waiting to hear back from several other schools) but would appreciate any input on quality of life at these schools in addition to thoughts on quality of undergrad instruction in engineering.</p>

2

<p>Take another look at UIUC. My son had lower stats than your son when he applied and is definitely a type B, also. He is a freshman in mechanical engineering (OOS). He is having a great year–Dean’s list. I was worried that he would not be putting in the effort and that the classes would be too difficult because he did not spend much time studying in high school. He is doing great and loves it. The biggest plus is that he in in the Mechanical Engineering school and DOES NOT have to reapply and risk the chance of not getting in !!! Check out the opportunities at Allen Hall Residence Hall. It has a wide range of students (including art/music and Engineering students). I went to UW-Madison and never felt the enthusiasm that my son feels for UIUC. The students at Allen Hall provide most of the social scene that my son needs–no need for bars or the greek system for him.</p>

3

<p>Thanks so much for that information, momgrad76 - it sounds like your son is very much like mine in personality, and I really appreciate the recommendation on the Residence Hall. Illinois is too strong of a school to pass on based on one very short visit almost two years ago. Your post gives me hope that my son (definitely not the hardest working kid in high school) will have a chance to make it in engineering school. He actually joked that his acceptance at Illinois “must have been a clerical error,” but we are trying to tell him that these schools have been in this business for awhile, and wouldn’t admit him if they didn’t think he could cut it. Would really love to have him at a school that I could drive to and from in the same day (if necessary).</p>