University of Washington or Boston University for Computer Engineering?

Hi everyone,

I recently got accepted to the College of Engineering at both University of Washington and Boston University. I’m currently really torn between which one I should attend.

For UW, I know quite a few of my friends who will be going there, and while it would be nice to be with friends in college, I know that it is also a time to meet new people. I understand that the engineering program at both schools is strong, but it is stronger at UW. However, I have done some research, and even though the engineering program at UW might be better, I read that the environment at UW is actually quite stressful for the students. I believe this is mostly due to the competitive major system they have there. Since I have been admitted directly to the College of Engineering, however, I wonder if I will have a less stressful time there because the process to get my desired major will be less competitive.

Additionally, I am currently a Washington State resident, and I have completed Running Start courses during my senior year. I believe that these Running Start credits would be easier to transfer to UW than to BU.

On the other hand, at BU, I think I could have a more enjoyable life as an undergraduate student overall. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the way the BU campus is laid out, and I’d certainly have a hard time adjusting to the cold weather in Boston, attending school there would be something new, and I’m sure there are a lot of great opportunities.

Thanks to financial aid and scholarships, my tuition is fully covered if I choose to attend BU, and I would have to pay relatively little if I choose to attend UW.

I’m having a really hard time making this decision, and if anyone has any valuable input/advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!

UW seattle beats BU when it comes to Computer engineering any day…

Congratulations, I am guessing OP made up his/her mind back in May, but

BU does have a strong cryptography research group, and rising in ranks for CS steadily,
but UW Seattle is the overall better CS school for most branches of CS. The fact that you have credits that will probably not transfer to BU
is another good reason to stick with UW.
If you plan to work on the west coast, I would stay with UW as well.