Hello, I have been accepted to The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and The University of Maryland to study in aerospace engineering. I want to focus more in the astronautical engineering aspect over the aeronautical engineering.
I did not yet have the chance to visit the UIUC, so I have some questions:
- Does the UIUC have a strong astronautical engineering program vs aeronautical engineering Program?
- Also, which college, UMD or UIUC, will give me a better experience in an aerospace engineering major?
- Also, which college will give me more internship and job opportunities in my field?
- And most of all, Which college should I chose?!?!
I’m not familiar with engineering at either school, but I do know that NASA Headquarters is in DC, a short metro ride from UMD and the Goddard Space Flight Center is just a few miles from UMD. But I would recommend going with the lowest cost/least debt option
The two schools are both rated in the top 10 for undergraduate aerospace engineering. In specific to your questions
- I am not at all familiar with UIUC programs, however, as the mom of a senior MechE student at Maryland, I can tell you that the research being done in aerospace engineering is so fascinating, that my son actually considered that discipline (MechE is a close cousin to Aero in many ways). You really should check out all the unique facilities that UMD has to offer for research
http://www.aero.umd.edu/research-labs
- Of course, I am biased in favor of UMD but I think what defines a better experience is up to individual interpretation. In my opinion, part of the "experience" does include the environs, school spirit, etc. and given that the educational reputation of both schools in this field is relatively equal, I personally think the social factors tip in favor of Maryland.
- Both will give you access and opportunity, but the fact is that success in securing internships has less to do with a school than individual qualifications, personality, etc. (I know of brilliant students that are top in their class with great network access that can't land jobs because they just don't do well in interviews)
- No one can tell you which college you should choose. You are the only one that can determine which one feels like a better "fit" for you - where do you feel more comfortable? Of course, I say Maryland is the best, haha, but you really can't go wrong with either choice. They really are both excellent schools for engineering.
Check out my responses to another student with a similar question
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/1869555-umd-vs-uiuc.html#latest
Wow, you’ve given me everything that i needed 
I guess I was just freaking out a little, but I think you’re right. It comes down to me and I can’t thank you enough for all the information you all have given!
No problem…let me know if you have any other questions about Maryland.
@Krizzykriz which school are you leaning towards. Both are great schools