<p>Hello Everyone, I have been admitted into the Electrical Engineering programs at UIUC, Purdue and Georgia Tech and<br>
I am OOS for all three. Of the three, G-Tech is at the bottom of my list mostly because of the lack of social life (which is important to me), GPA deflation and in general I did not like the campus atmosphere when I visited. However, I am open to arguments to convince me otherwise. </p>
<p>I am leaning toward UIUC over Purdue, because of its exceptionally high ranking in engineering. Yet, in the North East, the school is not well known. I am also a little worried because at UIUC the vast majority of students are in-state and there is little out-state presence (relatively large international population though). Is this a reasonable concern to have? I find it surprising that a top engineering school doesn't have many students outside of Illinois. Purdue is another strong option because I got into the Honors College and received a merit scholarship. </p>
<p>Lastly, cost is not a huge factor because I was awarded an Navy ROTC scholarship. I really not sure which school to select, so some insight would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>I’m surprised by your concern about a social life at GT They are the most engineering/STEM concentrated of your choices and that will obviously slant the work load at the school, maybe that’s influencing your judgement. Male/female ratio also most slanted, admttedly something to think about - don’t know your XY status. </p>
<p>UIUC is, well, in UC, and no one confuses Southern Illinois with Southern California. Not a small issue in understanding limited national draw. Academics there are great. B10 membership really felt on campus. Similar scene at Purdue. West Lafayette, unfortunately, no better than UC. Overall student body at Purdue a bit weaker academically than UIUC, less noticeable among engineers. All 3 schools will be held in high regard when the time comes to leave mama college behind. </p>
<p>Umm… correct me if I am wrong, but the Navy tells you which one to go to. You don’t get to choose. Unless you have some special circumstance that I have never heard of.</p>
<p>If I am wrong, absolutely please tell me. I have never heard anything other than the Navy telling you what your NROTC college is.</p>
<p>Culturally, politically, and socially, Purdue and Georgia Tech are going to be more on the conservative side. If you are like most ROTC students, that might be attractive to you.</p>
<p>I think it depends on what type of career and location you want to pursue. My son was accepted at all 3 schools that you’re considering. He’s definitely decided to go to UIUC - he’s majoring in Computer Engineering so he’ll take both EE and CS curriculum. He wants a social life too and frankly Georgia Tech has more guys than girls by a long shot. Also, going to a big 10 school means there’s opportunity to socialize and make friends who aren’t engineers - there’s also Big Ten athletics & school spirit. I don’t know what the final diversity stats are for UIUC engineering but we do know kids from San Francisco Bay Area high schools like my son’s who are attending or considering it.</p>
<p>We noticed that Purdue tends to get recruited by large Fortune 500 companies whereas UIUC has big companies recruit and also more entrepreneurial Silicon Valley companies. That was a big draw for my son but again only know this for Computer Engineering and Comp Sci. </p>
<p>Purdue better known internationally bc they’ve had longer history of recruiting international students. Don’t know if UIUC well known on East Coast but definitely respected and with strong alumni ties in Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>Between “regular” UIUC and Purdue Honors, I’d go with Purdue Honors. Heavily recruited indeed and you’d have all the perks that come with Honors.
However are you sure you can choose where to do? doesn’t your ROTC scholarship come with a specific school?</p>