I am a senior from Illinois who got into Chem E at UIUC, UW-Madison, and Purdue. I and still contemplating what to choose. Chem E is my top major but i would also like to pursue a double in economics. UW has a better campus, better chem E and econ program, and it is easier for me to double major. UIUC is cheaper than all of them, has a better engineering program over all but not chem e or econ, and it will probably take 5 years if I want a double major. The only thing I like about Purdue is they have a schedule to graduate with chem E in 3 years if I take a couple summer classes.
UIUC 30,000 per year (5,000 per year scholarship)
UW 41,366 per year
Purdue 41,954 per year
I am leaning more to UW because I it like more, but UIUC is cheaper by 11,000 per year. I am probably getting 0 financial aid. I plan to go on to grad school later. Could you help me with my decision? Also do you know if you need to major in econ to get into grad school for econ?
Have you visited the schools/talked with people there? Gotten a feel for the campus? It’ll certainly make a difference.
UW definitely has a very strong ChemE program, but UIUC’s is nothing to laugh at either. Talk with people. Neither will be bad for grad school or career - the difference will be what you do while there. If you can do more research at one place, I’d lean towards that option.
As far as Econ grad school - a major (or minor) in it would definitely be nice, but you don’t need one. Quoting Harvard Econ grad school admissions reqs: “Concentration in economics is preferred but not required. Students will need a strong undergraduate training in both economics and mathematics.”
I’d say don’t go to Purdue, you don’t seem to really want to, and it’s not too cheap.
@BMEAero
I visited both and can see myself at both, but overall I like uw’s campus better. I am going to visit both schools again. thanks for the advice.
I’m in a similar situation. However, I’m looking for Biology major. Can you guys help me pick between UIUC, UW Madison, Pitt and possibly Case…
@pleasant
Are u instate to any of them?
@pep2019 I’m instate for UofI. I think UofI has a pretty good biology program. Probably not comparable to the engineering program. However, it is not clear to me as how the biology program is compared to Madison, or Pitt or Case, especially when it comes to preparing for medical school, MCAT etc.
@pleasant
UW has a better bio, then UIUC, then Case, then Pitt. UW is more expensive but not by much. I would say visit uiu, uw, and case and decide from there. Pitt is not that good compared to the rest. I visisted case and think it was a bit pricey for and similar school like urbana
Thanks @pep2019. Given that UW is a state school (lots of students, high student-teacher ratio, competition for opportunities etc.), would you still prefer UW over UIUC or Case. Also, do you know if there are specific areas that UW is good in Bio.
@pleasant
UW or UIUC. Go uiuc if money is an issue.
If I remember correctly at UW you don’t get accepted into the ChemE program but you must apply after some time. This could be a sticky point if your grades drop for any reason. At least at UIUC and Purdue you are accepted into the program on day 1.