<p>These are two of my son's FREE choices, which puts them high on the list for next fall. He may choose a school that offers free tuition (pay for room and board) instead, but these two schools have GREAT potential to be the place for him! :)</p>
<p>He wants to major in mechanical engineering, have plenty of research opportunities as an undergrad, study abroad, and go to a pretty great grad school. He's interested in a lot of liberal arts courses as well, and hopes to take them in a smaller, honors-type setting. He wants to participate in some form of community service. He is a very high-achiever, but he's very laid back. A laid back, cooperative environment where students are eager to learn would be ideal for him. He wants to play in the orchestra -- both schools have one that will fit him. Bama's private teacher is a perfect match for him. A&M doesn't have a private teacher on his instrument. He gets along very well with all kinds of kids, but like most people, he does have his preferences. He's not into the Greek scene, not into athletics (outside of pickup basketball and the like), not ultra-conservative. He's very social, but he and his friends do lots of low-key, non-partying things for fun. In high school and middle school, the music kids have always been his best friends, to give some idea of his “type.”</p>
<p>It’s a difficult choice in our minds because Bama seems to be a better fit in terms of “personality,” honors opportunities, small classes, and personalized attention (in the honors program). But Texas A&M seems to be a better fit in terms of an engineering education, grad school opportunities, and employer recruitment. On the other hand, we don’t know if any of these generalizations are really true! </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for sharing your perspectives! :)
(I think I’m going to double-post this, btw.)</p>