Hi, I posted this in the regular college search category, but I was wondering if people here could help me out. I know that choosing a college is ultimately my decision, but if anyone could give me any input or advice I would really appreciate it as I’m pretty torn here. Please be brutally honest.
I’m planning to major in mechanical engineering, and would like to minor in something to do with computers or aerospace. I am a New Jersey resident and consider myself pretty smart (33 ACT). I am grateful for the fact that my parents are willing to give me around $15,000 a year to put towards the tuition of whatever school I choose.
UMD is my dream school. I loved the campus when I visited, and it has everything I’m looking for in a college. Good sports teams, good social life, large school, proximity to a major city, solid engineering ranking, internship opportunities, and a good distance from home. They offered me the Presidential scholarship of $5,000 per year, which will bring my COA to somewhere around $35,000 a year. I would be willing to RA to hopefully bring that down, will try to get a job there, and I’m trying to get instate tuition in the later years as I do plan on staying in Maryland after I graduate.
Rowan does have alot of the things I’m looking for in a college. It is definitely up and coming, especially in the area of engineering. One thing that does turn me off of it, however, is obviously it’s overall academics aren’t nearly as good as UMD’s. Some of the kids going their from my high school have no business being in any college at all. I did receive a $14,000 per year scholarship as well as being accepted into the honors college. So going there would cost me around $5,000 per year.
With the ultimate goal of getting a good job in the engineering field after graduating, which option in your opinion would be best for me? Thanks.