Hello, I am an international student on a gap year, planning on majoring in engineering, most likely civil, I think that out of the schools that I have been accepted at these would be my best choices:
-UT Austin:Civil Engineering
-Purdue: FYE
-UMD: University Honors and Civil Engineering
-UIUC: Undeclared Engineering
-Northeastern: N.U.in
I wanted to know what the differences between these programs are and if the honors program at UMD should be something that affects my decision. I wanted to know if someone who has gone to theses schools or has experience with them could give me some input into what they are like, as it would help me make a more knowledgeable decision. Cost is not important to me, but since Northeastern is more expensive than all the other options I would like to know if it would be worth paying substantially more for it instead of the other schools.
How likely are you to want to change major, versus staying in civil engineering?
If you are certain you want to stay in civil engineering, UT Austin and Maryland are favorable because you are already in civil engineering. Purdue requires competing for grades in first year courses and for admission to engineering majors (ask directly to find out how competitive). At UIUC, admission from undeclared engineering to a specific engineering major may or may not be competitive (ask directly to find out). Northeastern may have high GPA requirements to declare or change major (ask directly to find out).
If you may change major, it looks like Maryland may be the least restrictive (but ask directly to find out).
Northeastern’s curriculum is built around co-op jobs mixed in with academic terms. If you are an international student, there may be complications based on the need for getting the appropriate visas to work in the co-op jobs. Co-op jobs may be optional at other schools.
I would say that it would be unlikely for me to change majors.