<p>So my wonderful daughter has gotten into calls of 2015 !! for all these colleges (University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, UC of San Diego and University of southern California) and we were hoping that we could get some inside information about the school before we make our final decision. She intends to major in aerospace engineering. </p>
<p>Most importantly I want to know
(a) Which school is the best to peruse Aerospace engineering? (in terms of both rankings and reputation)
(b) How is campus life, safety, atmosphere? and how stressful?
(c) Are professors good teachers and easily accessible?
(d) Safety of the surrounding are outside campus?
(e) Location wise, that is weather, safety, entertainment etc which is the best? </p>
<p>I would really appreciate any inside views and feedback and all suggestions are welcomed. Thanks in Advance</p>
<p>You might get the most feedback if you post this question in those colleges sub-forums (under Colleges to the left). IMO UMich is strongest in Aerospace. I work for the AF and we have many Mich Grads doing engineering.</p>
<p>Michigan also has a lively, beautiful campus, safe environment, fantastic sports, and wonderful college town feel. If you don’t mind winter weather, it is the quinessential collegiate experience. The school also has one of the largest and most connected alumni associations with graduates living in all parts of the country.</p>
<p>Michigan is a great school, no doubt. However, the U.S. News rankings tend to favor the schools with enormous programs like UT Austin, Gatech, Michigan, UIUC, etc. They are great programs but the indivdual engineers they produce are not necessarily better than say your average R.P.I. engineer. I’d put R.P.I. and Michigan in the same class academically (similar quality students, both have great instructional and research facilities). RPI would be better for those who thrive in a smaller, more intimate learning environment. Michigan would be better for the “total college experience”. </p>
<p>If the rankings are most important to you go with UM but you would also get an awesome education at R.P.I…</p>